Work is under way to renovate seven sets of tennis courts in parks across Leicester.

The courts are located at Abbey Park, Aylestone Hall Gardens, Humberstone Park, Knighton Park, Monks Rest Gardens, Evington Park and Rushey Fields.

The £420,000 project is being funded by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and central government.

The LTA said the upgrades would inspire more people to take up tennis.

The works include new asphalt surfacing, replacement nets and net posts, fencing repairs, court re-painting and new entrance gates.

Once the project is complete, Leicester City Council will appoint a private operator to run the courts, including some free sessions.

National project

The LTA’s project in Leicester is part of a wider £30m scheme to refurbish thousands of public tennis courts across Great Britain.

More than 1,500 courts have been completed through the project so far, the LTA said.

Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor responsible for sport said: “We welcome this investment which will improve people’s experience on our tennis courts.

“This operating model will provide high quality tennis provision across the city that will ensure the tennis courts are maintained to this high standard for many years to come.

“We look forward to working with the LTA, particularly to offer free sessions to encourage more people to enjoy tennis.”

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