REASSURANCE has been given that the new tennis courts at Melksham House will be looked after if Wiltshire Council are unable to come to an agreement with Melksham Tennis Club.
Negotiations for the lease of the two new courts are ongoing between the council and the club, which would involve the club taking on responsibility for the cost of their ongoing maintenance.
However, negotiations have reached a stumbling block, with the tennis club declining to sign the lease as they are unable to commit to the future maintenance costs, which include the repainting and resurfacing of the courts, cleaning, and insurance.
This is not the first time the new tennis courts – which are part of the ongoing redevelopment for the community campus on the Melksham House site – have been at the centre of controversy. In June concerns were raised by a former club member about how Melksham Tennis Club would manage and maintain the courts.
The 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.
In response to questions from Melksham News, the council has said that will look for an ‘alternative model’ to ensure the courts are managed if an agreement can’t be reached.
Cllr Allison Bucknell, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for communities and leisure said, “We are working with Melksham Tennis Club on the best option for managing the courts. Management of the courts is a significant undertaking for the club and everyone must be satisfied that this is still the right approach.
“While it has always been our intention to give the club a lease for the courts, we want to ensure that whatever delivery model is put in place is in the best interests of the club and safeguards the facility for the community, allows the sport to develop locally, provides opportunities for young people, and increases participation. We invested in these courts and want to see the potential benefits realised.
“If Melksham Tennis Club feels unable to take on the lease, then we will be looking at an alternative model to ensure that the courts are managed.
“Melksham Tennis Club is currently managing the courts on an interim basis and they are available for anyone to book. This can be done via the Melksham Tennis Club’s website.”
Melksham Tennis Club was approached for comment, but had not responded by the time the paper went to print.
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