Work is underway to refurbish a South Lanarkshire tennis court. 

South Lanarkshire Council is working with Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)  to invest in and refurbish the tennis courts at Whitemoss in East Kilbride.

In September, councillors approved the funding for the tennis courts which were once called a “shambles” by Andy Murray.

The three courts at the tennis club will be renovated thanks to a £93,000 investment from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation which is delivered by the LTA to ensure the quality facilities are available for the local community.

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the sites, this will include weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided. 

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “We are delighted that the tennis courts at Whitemoss are to benefit from this funding from the LTA.

“We understand that the courts need this level of investment and look forward to the work being completed and the tennis courts opening in spring of next year.

“Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women and girls.”

Refurbishment work is due to be complete in the new year and courts will be available to book online and via the LTA website which will make it easier for users to book a court or activity.

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

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

“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.

“We will also be working closely with South Lanarkshire 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.”

The project is being delivered as part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, which is delivered by the LTA and aims to refurbish public tennis courts across the UK. 

The investment 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. 

Over 1500 courts have already been transformed through the project so far.