On 4th October 2025, Stuart Anderson MP was delighted to attend the official re-opening of Church Stretton Tennis Courts in Sandford Avenue Park. The courts have undergone resurfacing work, which was completed earlier this summer.
The courts are now available for play, thanks to £55,000 of upgrades made possible by the last government's investment in grassroots sports through the Parks Tennis Funding Programme launched in 2021.
The joint initiative by the UK Government and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) received more than £30 million in funding, with £21.9 million contributed by the UK Government and £8.4 million by the LTA.
So far, over 3,000 park tennis courts have been transformed and reopened to the public, with more renovations underway. The programme aims to boost tennis participation by over 500,000 players annually.
Stuart has welcomed the development as part of his plan to support local communities. In June, Stuart launched his 'Community Support Finder', which brings together a range of grants and other schemes that local groups can apply for.
This includes a £100 million top-up to the flagship Multi-Sports Grassroots Facilities Programme, set up by the last government. It follows a request by Stuart who had called on the government to continue it.
It also includes Sport England's Movement Fund, which offers crowdfunding pledges, grants, and resources to improve physical activity opportunities for the people and communities who need it the most.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"I was delighted to official re-opening of Church Stretton Tennis Courts, following upgrades that were made possible by the last government's investment in grassroots sports via the Parks Tennis Funding Programme. Across the country, these upgrades have made tennis more enjoyable and accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds at more than 3,000 sites - including here in Church Stretton. As part of my plan to support local communities across South Shropshire, my Community Support Finder brings together a range of schemes that local groups can apply for - including the recently extended Multi-Sports Grassroots Facilities Programme."
The LTA provides tools and documents to help local authorities and park operators understand the opportunities in their parks stock and enhance facilities.
This LTA also provides online booking systems and gate access technology to make it easier for people to find and book courts. To play at the tennis courts, residents can book a court online through the LTA website.
