by Tim Nuttall
The long-awaited refurbishment of tennis facilities in Withernsea is under way thanks to the efforts of a small but dedicated committee who have worked tirelessly to secure funding and raise the profile of the sport in the community.
Work began last month to prepare the site, located at the end of Lascelles Avenue, for the installation of three floodlit all-weather courts that will form the centrepiece of Withernsea Tennis.
New fencing along the full perimeter of the site, complete with SmartAccess entry enabling users to book online and access the site using a unique PIN, will also factor into the works.
With the support of East Riding Council, a new main entry point is also being created which will allow users to access the facilities from the car park near the Hut. In addition, site-wide landscaping, including the planting of new trees and more than 60 metres of native hawthorn hedge, will help to enhance the playing environment.
Carolyn Sumner, chairman of Withernsea Tennis, said: “This has been a challenging project. Starting up a new club and having to source a venue has not been easy. We were over the moon when the bowls club agreed to lease us the land where the former tennis courts had been on their site.
“It is hoped that sharing the bowls club site will generate interest in both tennis and bowls and lead to residents in the local area becoming more active by taking part in either sport, or even both sports.
“I am so proud of what we have achieved. Janine Foster has been the driving force on this project and it’s down to her hard work and tenacity that we are where we are today. On behalf of Withernsea Tennis, I would like to thank Sport England and Withernsea Big Local for their investment into this project.
“Thanks also to the bowls club, Active Withernsea for their continued support, the Community Payback team for helping to clear the site in the early days, along with all the individuals, agencies and companies who have supported us along the way.
“I am really looking forward to the new facility opening so that we can have a proper game of tennis. Everyone at Withernsea Tennis is looking forward to spring 2025 when this wonderful sports facility will be available for the residents of Withernsea and surrounding villages, and visitors to the town, to enjoy.”
South East Holderness ward councillor Lyn Healing said: “I am absolutely delighted that Withernsea Tennis has begun the refurbishment of the facilities. This marks a significant milestone for the club, especially after what has been a challenging journey for the committee.
“Securing the necessary funding and navigating the various permissions from the local authority wasn’t easy at first, given the number of departments involved. However, I’m pleased to say that East Riding Council has fully supported this programme from the outset, as have I, both as a cabinet member and as ward councillor.
“The committee’s unwavering dedication and hard work has truly paid off and the refurbishment will undoubtedly bring tremendous benefits to Withernsea and surrounding areas.
“It will provide an opportunity for people to engage in this fantastic sport, promoting activity and enhancing fitness across our community. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality, you should all be incredibly proud.”
