TEN tennis venues across Bradford, some of which have been described as “unplayable” will soon get a £462,000 boost.

The Lawn Tennis Association has partnered with Bradford Council to refurbish tennis courts across the district, with the Council also setting up more tennis sessions and events to make the most of the improved facilities.

It is part of a nationwide campaign to open the sport up to more people.

The park venues being renovated are Bowling Park, Lister Park, Peel Park, Haworth Central Park, Northcliffe Park, Myrtle Park, Cottingley Manor Park, Temple Rhydding Park, Silsden Park and Menston Park, whilst the tennis courts at Oxenhope Sports Association and Ilkley Lido will also be available to book online.

The national campaign will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

Alongside the investment, Bradford Council will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the park sites.

This will include weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or their own racket.

Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.

All courts and sessions at all sites will be available to book online via the LTA website [www.lta.org.uk/play], making it far easier to find and book a court or activity.

Work has just begun at several sites and are expected to be completed by Spring with final painting works.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Access to good sports facilities, wherever you live in the district, is key to our ambition to support people’s Health and Wellbeing. “It is great to work with the LTA to see the investment and breathe new life into our tennis courts and work on opening up tennis to more of our residents.”

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bradford Metropolitan District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.

“We will also be working closely with Bradford Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”