MID WORCESTERSHIRE MP Nigel Huddleston is the latest person to get behind the campaign to raise £40,000 to refurbish the tennis courts at Droitwich Lido Park.
The drive was launched last month by mum Elaine Newman who was concerned about the courts falling into a state of repair over the years and them being laden with potholes.
Mrs Newman fears if they are left much longer they will become completely unusable and so launched the project to revamp the area for everyone in the town.
The campaign has raised £1,500 so far and Wychavon District Council has said when £20,000 is reached, it will match-fund the remainder of the cash.
Mr Huddleston said: “There is very strong demand for tennis locally and it is really important that we do everything we can to make tennis a sport that is accessible to everyone – irrespective of income or age.
“That is why I fully support the campaign to resurface the tennis courts at Droitwich Lido Park led by Elaine and with the great support of Droitwich Tennis Club and Wychavon District Council.”
Mr Huddleston took time out of his busy schedule to visit Droitwich Tennis Club, meet stars of the future and to speak to club chairman Neil Bates and head coach Lee Cowan about how they could work with the park authorities to make the most of the new court.
“The club has had a significant increase in membership recently, and with members ranging in age from four to 82 it shows tennis is becoming more popular and is genuinely a sport for all.
“Wychavon and the local community have already got behind the appeal and there is great momentum behind the campaign.”
Mrs Newman added: “It was great to meet Nigel and I cannot thank him enough for his support.
“More and more people are getting excited about this project and following Andy Murray’s win at Wimbledon, interest in playing tennis can only increase, so it’s really important free access to play the sport is available in the town for everyone to use.”
To boost the coffers further, there are a number of other fund-raisers planned.
St Peter’s School is holding a ‘dress up as your favourite sports star day’. Westacre Middle School is holding a cake sale and local businesses are being contacted to see how they can help.
Visit here for the Facebook group or search for ‘Lets play tennis in Droitwich Spa’ on there.
And click here to donate to the campaign.
