‘Borough of tennis’ council slammed as courts close for revamps
By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
Tennis courts across Merton will close this summer while work to revamp them takes place.
But the lack of information about the closures has been slammed as being “a shambles” by one councillor.
In an open letter, Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Kohler, called for an explanation why locals had not been informed of the closures.
The borough’s 12 courts will be closed for between two and eight weeks.
The longest closure will be at Wimbledon Park courts where work started on April 27 and they will not re-open until July 19.
Cllr Kohler wrote: “Frankly it is unacceptable that no information has been shared with residents, councillors, parks’ friends groups – or indeed schools, making planning activities on the courts impossible.
“For example, the Multi Use Games Area at Dundonald Rec is used as part of Dundonald Primary’s playground, and yet parents tell us they have not been told the courts will be out of action (or indeed, if they will be.
“Honestly, this is simply shambolic; particularly for a council that has pretensions to become the ‘borough of sport’.
“Our fear is that once again Merton‘s political administration is more concerned with spin and PR, more focused on boasting after the refurbishment, than providing meaningful information about services to its residents beforehand.”
Merton resident Nicola Schofield tweeted her shock that all courts in Merton, the “borough of tennis” will be closed this summer asking why the works could not take place in the winter.
She also raised concerns that charges could be introduced once work was completed – currently only the case in Wimbledon.
Replying, council leader councillor Ross Garrod said: “There will be a staggered approach to the works across the borough – not all courts will be closed at the same time. Courts that are currently free will remain free after the works.”
Merton council did not wish to comment further.
(Picture: Pexels)
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