Talks continue on upgrading tennis facilities in Uckfield

Discussions about the possibility of upgrading tennis facilities at the Victoria Pleasure Ground are continuing between Uckfield Town Council and Le Tennis, which coaches young players at Maresfield.

Le Tennis is asking for the council’s permission to refurbish the courts at the pleasure ground and to take on responsibility for running and maintaining them.

Members of the council’s environment and leisure committee, who met last week, agreed that the clerk should continue to co-operate with Le Tennis with a view to establishing the tennis facility.

A report to members said Le Tennis was asking for the council’s support and help in raising funds but would apply to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) for Fast Track funding to cover 70% of the project.

It would apply to Sport England for further funding.

Le Tennis is hoping for a 21 year lease, an LTA requirement when investing such a large sum of money, and a peppercorn rent.

The organisation would be responsible for maintaining the courts including having a fund for resurfacing them. There would also be a fund for floodlights.

Le Tennis would run an online booking system and be responsible for providing an extensive programme that would cater for all ages and abilities.

Concern was expressed, at the environment and leisure committee meeting, that current users of the facility would be affected should they not wish to join a club but it was agreed to continue discussions with Le Tennis.