Anyone for tennis?

Twenty-one tennis courts across Salford will get a £500,000 facelift to encourage more people to take up the game.

Salford City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) will improve or add new courts, nets and electronic access gates at Albert Park, Boothsbank Park, Buile Hill Park, Eccles Recreation Ground and Lightoaks Park, where paths, signs, fences and access to the park generally will also be enhanced.

Floodlighting will be added to courts at Parr Fold Park and disabled access to Victoria Park will be improved, along with the tennis courts. Much of the funding comes from Section 106 money paid by developers for local improvements.

A new booking system will allow people to hire a court by the hour or join an annual membership scheme and money generated will be reinvested into the courts.

Salford Community Leisure (SCL) and We Do Tennis will offer free public coaching and work with children, young people and schools to encourage youngsters to try tennis.

“This is a game changer for tennis in Salford. Better facilities, free coaching and help for children to learn tennis skills is a real winner.”

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety.

The UK government and LTA are investing over £30 million in the sport across Britain.

Watch our video to find out more about the development of Salford's tennis courts