News / Sport
Unusable courts at Sea Mills cost more than £100,000
The woeful refurbishment at Sea Mills tennis courts that has left the courts unusable, cost more than double the amount used to refurbish the Redcatch tennis courts.
The courts look likely to remain dormant over the winter – photo: Mary Milton
The dilapidated courts at Sea Mills were due to open this year following a recent makeover, but were quickly closed once again when it became apparent that it was unsafe to play on them.
Now in a recent Freedom of Information request, made available from former councillor Gary Hopkins, the numbers show a significant difference in the cost of the restoration for the Dingle Close tennis courts in Sea Mills and the Redcatch tennis courts.
is needed now More than ever
The data shows that Bristol City Council (BCC) invested a total of £58,144.94 into the Redcatch tennis courts, £25,661.58 came from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and £32,483.36 was secured through BBC sports section 106 (S106) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Redcatch tennis courts has been successfully running since.
The courts at Redcatch, Knowle, are in practically pristine condition – photo: Hannah Massoudi
Dingle Close tennis courts in Sea Mills had £114,828.92 plowed into it, £54,828.92 from the LTA and £60,000 through the BBC Sports section 106, but remains closed after shortly reopening.
The stark contrast in the results of each refurbishment has left people scratching their head as to why they still cannot use the courts.
Both courts operate a pay to play model, a decision that caused friction between members of the local community and the council.
With the chair for Friends of Redcatch Park, Sian Ellis-Thomas recently issuing a publicly apology and a settlement of £15,000 for branding Gary Hopkins a ‘bully’ and ‘misogynist’.
When asked about the refurbishment of the courts at Sea Mills, Gary believes that the contractors have made a mess of it.
Bristol24/7 has contacted Bristol City Council for a comment but they are yet to get back to us.
Main photo: Mary Milton
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