Changes proposed for selected tennis courts in Taunton

31 January 2023 : Council news, Environment, Sport and leisure

Somerset West and Taunton (SWT) Council is asking the public to have their say on refurbishment and future maintenance proposals for its tennis courts at Vivary Park and Taunton Green, Cheddon Road, in Taunton.

SWT has been offered over £100,000 of grant funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the Government’s Department for Digital, Community Media and Sport (DCMS), which would allow high-end play surface and perimeter fence upgrades for the twin courts at Vivary Park and to two of the three courts at Taunton Green.

The Council would contribute approximately £20,000 towards the upgrades, after which the proposals include the introduction of a pay-to-play booking system charged at £6 an hour per court, or £36 for an annual household membership to allow free booking access for a family. The income accrued would be reinvested into an ongoing maintenance and improvement programme for the refurbished courts.

In response to the proposals, SWT is seeking the public’s views on whether to accept the refurbishment grants and the introduction of court hire fees via an online survey.

The survey, along with further information about the proposals, will be available until Monday, 27 February, and can be completed by visiting the Council’s consultation portal. Alternatively, paper copies are available at Deane House and Taunton Visitor Centre.

Following the consultation, all feedback received will be reviewed and a decision on the proposals will be publicised in due course.