Douglas Lawn Tennis Club representatives met Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) northern regional head Paul Bennett during his recent visit to the Island organised by Isle of Man Lawn Tennis Association chairman Brian Walton.

Paul Bennett, centre, with left to right, club chairman Ron Sibthorpe and secretary Tania Thomas, head of parks Dave Hewes, assistant chief executive Sue Harrison, Isle of Man LTA chairman Brian Walton and Douglas West MHK Chris Thomas

The Council-owned site in Kensington Road has undergone a four-month project to renovate the synthetic sports surface.  The project involved the Parks Section of the Council removing some 20 tonnes of detritus, mainly old compacted sand, then brushing in 15 tonnes of new sub-rounded and rounded particle-shaped sand to improve drainage to the three courts.

The work has been praised by club chairman Ron Sibthorpe who said the project was a commendable example of partnership working to the benefit of the local community and it was to be hoped that this would encourage new members to try the sport. 

The club has recently introduced family coaching sessions for adults and children over 11 which take place every Saturday.

Regeneration and Community Advisory Committee Chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘Our Parks Section is to be congratulated for working in adverse weather conditions at times on a site without vehicular access where materials could only be removed and brought in by wheelbarrow. The end result is a substantially improved first-class community facility in the heart of Douglas with a prolonged life which will undoubtedly serve to attract new members and in the longer-term will hopefully encourage people to become more active and lead a healthier lifestyle.’