Council defends new tennis court booking system and charges at Chester park

A council chief has defended a decision to introduce a booking system for people wanting to use the tennis courts at a Chester park. The courts at Westminster Park have recently undergone a revamp thanks to £14,500 funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The work included new gate access technology and a booking system in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour. Although free slots will still be available to the public, residents can also now purchase an annual pass or 'pay for sessions at key times'.

The changes resulted in a petition being launched over the summer by a disgruntled user who called on the authority to 'keep the tennis courts in Westminster Park free without any charge to enjoy them'. A total of 28 people signed it.

The petition stated: "We have been informed that the council are planning to set a charge for the tennis courts. They have been free to the public without a booking system for around at least a decade as far as we know.

"Many families living near the park are struggling with the increased cost of living, on low incomes or living in poverty. Charging for tennis will probably mean many local families will no longer be able to enjoy tennis."

In response to the calls, deputy council leader Karen Shore said: "The recent investment in Westminster Park will provide our resident with access to safe, new and improved, LTA standard tennis courts, the ability to use an online booking system to reduce unnecessary travel for families and individuals through planning ahead, and access to free play and coaching opportunities.

"Gate access has been piloted successfully by the LTA. The evidence from sites across the country is that installing gate access technology and a booking system increases participation and reduces anti-social behaviour as people can book a court online in advance and know it will be available when they arrive to play.

"It also means that free tennis sessions and coaching can be scheduled on the courts at specific times and helps reduce anti-social behaviour and vandalism, which has been a problem on the courts in the past, including courts being used as dog exercise pens. Although tennis courts require investment to keep them in safe and playable conditions, the Council acknowledges there needs to be a balance between maintaining exceptional facilities for the public to use while ensuring they are sustainable for the future.

"As well as there being free slots available for residents to book, there will be an opportunity for residents to pay for sessions at key times, or purchase an annual pass that will generate sufficient revenue to cover the maintenance, ensuring the refurbished courts are maintained for future use."

The council is in talks with local clubs and operators to help deliver a programme of 'Free Park Tennis', which includes a new programme being rolled out by the LTA on Saturday or Sunday where sessions are delivered by volunteers and are free and accessible for all, with equipment provided, so people have the opportunity to get active and meet new people through the sport.

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