TWO newly refurbished tennis courts are now in use following a £25,000 investment by North Devon Council.

The courts are the new home to Park Lane Tennis Club, which has now relocated to the site next to the Rock Park Bowling Club in Barnstaple.

The council used proceeds of the sale of nearby land to fund the resurfacing and painting of the courts, with the remaining balance ring-fenced for investment in further leisure facilities.

Executive Member responsible for leisure at North Devon Council, Cllr Dick Jones commented: “I am delighted that we have been able to support the Park Lane Tennis Club by funding the refurbishment of the tennis courts.

“The courts are a great resource for the club and community alike; they will help attract budding new players to the club, and will also ensure continued public access to tennis, as they can be hired through prior arrangement with the tennis club.”

Ward members for Barnstaple Newport, Cllrs John Mathews and Mike Harrison said: "We were happy to facilitate all parties involved to talk through the refurbishment of these courts. We are pleased to have extended facilities in the park; this will be another sporting asset for the benefit of the club and public in general."

Chairman and Secretary of Park Lane Tennis Club, Paul Hollis, added: "We are delighted that after three years of hard work with council members and officers the future of the Park Lane Tennis Club has been secured.

“We are now in a strong position to grow our membership and to offer the local community affordable year round access to what are undoubtedly the highest quality outdoor courts in Barnstaple."

The tennis courts at Park Lane are now available for public hire now. Telephone 01271 373226 for more information about the club.

Alan Quick