Campus tennis courts open to the public

THE new tennis courts at Melksham House are now available for public hire.

The two new courts, which are part of the ongoing redevelopment for the community campus on the Melksham House site, have been at the centre of recent controversy after concern was  raised about plans for their future management and maintenance by Melksham Tennis Club. 

A former club member said that hopes for affordable tennis, easy access for the community, more people playing tennis, wheelchair access and school access were all at risk. However, whilst negotiations continue between Wiltshire Council and Melksham Tennis Club for the lease, the courts have been made available to the public and can be booked via the tennis club – a temporary arrangement until a permanent booking system is agreed.

“No lease signing has taken place yet,” explained a Wiltshire Council spokesperson. “We are currently working with the club to ensure that the new tennis courts are accessible to all; we are working with the club on booking arrangements and the timetabling of public access.

“Our sports development team will also continue to work with Melksham Tennis Club to support the long-term sustainability and development of both the club and the facility. Both the club and the council are committed to increasing participation in the sport.

“The courts have now had their final colour treatment and can now be used by the public. Melksham Tennis Club has put interim arrangements in place to ensure immediate access for the public. As soon as permanent arrangements are in place, we’ll confirm the details.”

Explaining how they intend to support the ongoing maintenance of the courts once the lease agreement has been signed, the tennis club says on their website, “The council has drawn up a lease for the tennis club, similar to that of the football, rugby, cricket and bowls clubs, at a peppercorn rent, but the tennis club is responsible for all of the maintenance and future-proofing of the courts and the surrounds. 

“The club will set up a sinking fund for day-to-day maintenance, for repainting the courts in around five years and for resurfacing them in around 10 years. The money for the sinking fund will come from the subscriptions from the members and from the revenue received from public hire.”

The courts are available for public hire for £6 an hour, Monday to Thursday until 5.30pm, Friday all day and from 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. Further evening hire will become available when league tennis finishes in August.

Courts can be booked at melksham  tennisclub@talktalk.net or on 07525 496000. Payment can be made by BACS, which will be required in advance. This method of booking is an interim arrangement. 

The club says, “Please note, following contractor’s advice, the courts may not be available to members of the public if the temperature is sufficiently high to cause any softening of the surface during the first year.”

For more information visit: www.melkshamtennis.co.uk