The Council has this week reiterated its funding for tennis courts throughout parks in the Borough, but there is criticism that there will be fewer courts available and ‘cost to play’ has yet to be announced.
Bedford Borough Council has secured £370,000 of funding from the government and the LTA Tennis Foundation and says the money will not only improve the courts through resurfacing, repainting and new nets but will see the installation of new gate-access technology and an online booking system.
The courts at Bedford Park are being entirely reconfigured from a nine-court to a three-court site, which the council says is necessary to protect the surrounding mature trees and ensure that the courts are not damaged by tree roots in the future.
The tennis courts in Russell Park will also be re-configured to ensure that the court surface can be adequately maintained, and that the much-valued trees are protected and preserved.
However, residents and local councillors have voiced their concerns that Bedford Park will see a two-thirds reduction in the number of courts available, with none of them ‘free to play.”
“It’s outrageous to claim that reducing nine tennis courts to three, none of which will be free-to-play and need to be pre-booked online, is somehow going to improve access to the sport,” said Terry Monks, who lives near Bedford Park.
“The Bedford Park courts are popular, despite their dilapidated state, and this is a huge change for which there has been minimal communication and no real local consultation (particularly disturbing after the Winter Wonderland fiasco).”
She said that among the eight courts in Mowsbury Park, some would remain free-to-play.
“Why should the situation be so different in Bedford Park? I am sure it is possible to find a different solution which still protects the trees and enables more people to enjoy tennis.”
Read: ‘Racket’ made over Bedford Park tennis courts
Refurbishment works at four Mowsbury Park courts began late last year, and work began this week on Allen Park tennis courts.
Southfields, Kempston courts, Linden Road, Addison Howard Park and Russell Park in Bedford also have refurbishments and/or improvements planned.
In addition, the council is looking to outsource the management of the courts to offer a variety of programmes to get more people playing tennis in Bedford Borough.
The council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) will work alongside the appointed operator to deliver free tennis sessions on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Local tennis leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.
A court booking fee will be introduced for other times, with money raised going towards a sink fund to ensure the courts can be maintained to a high standard for years to come.
Cllr Henry Vann, Liberal Democrat group leader, said costs for residents had yet to be confirmed.
“The investment is good news,” he said. “But this re-announcement, despite the double speak, provides no update on the costs for residents or confirmation of free-to-play and turn-up-and-play access for local people at Bedford Park – something protected elsewhere.
“It is not true to say this will make the courts ‘easier to access’ unless this free provision is confirmed. Without this confirmation all that is really happening is the number of courts is being cut in Bedford Park from nine to three, and there are now fewer free courts at Mowsbury Park.
“This investment should be about making sport easier to access, not harder – instead there’s going to be fewer courts and no guarantee of free access to them.
“I urge the Mayor to listen and protect free tennis now alongside this welcome investment.”
Portfolio holder for environment, Cllr Jim Weir (Conservative), defended the council’s decision.
“The refurbishment of tennis courts in various parks across Bedford Borough aligns with our commitment to provide top-notch recreational facilities for all our residents,” he said.
“The new tennis court operating model will ensure the long-term sustainability of these courts, securing a legacy for future generations. This transformative project underscores our ongoing efforts to make Bedford Borough parks inclusive, fostering a healthier and more engaged community.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said they would ensure the community had a range of “accessible opportunities to get on court”.
“This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come,” she said.
