Major improvements at Cottingham Lawn Tennis Club, thanks to Commuted Sums

Cottingham Lawn Tennis Club have been awarded £97,451.40 funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council as part of Commuted Sums from local housing developments.

The funding has been awarded towards replacing the existing floodlights and repairs to the Clubhouse roof, which will involve stripping the existing felt and overcladding the roof.

The project is part of the club's wider improvement plans for the site. Over the last 18 months, the club have already carried out many improvements, which have been funded through Club funds and grants from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Cottingham Parish Council:-

• Controlled access linking to floodlights to the booking system
• Marking out of junior courts
• Improvements to pedestrian access
• Repairs to two courts
• Improvements to bar/social area.

The replacement of the floodlights, along with the wider facility improvements, enables longer periods of play to be available, which is expected to increase usage by between 10 and 20%.

Doug Jennings, Chairman of Cottingham Lawn Tennis Club, said, "We are so grateful to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for this generous grant, as it will make such a difference to the club and the local tennis community. The clubhouse was built in 1922 and over the last few years was showing its age with the roof leaking quite badly. The floodlights too are dated, being old, non-LED technology.

"In 2019 we prepared a three-year Development Plan and this welcome grant from the council will enable two of the costliest elements of that Plan to be carried out and the Club can concentrate on delivering some of the smaller projects.

"For instance, last year a keypad entrance gate was introduced offering pay and play - funded in part by the Club, the LTA and Cottingham Parish Council. This means people can pre-book online for a court and lights, and has been a particular advantage during this very difficult time of living with the COVID-19 virus. It has meant we were able to open the facilities in a controlled and safe way over the summer to the wider tennis community when indoor venues have been closed. By introducing a new household membership category, we have also been able to cater for 'locked down' families to access the club for a bit of exercise and fun. It has been great to see so many enjoying the facilities in a safe way. This grant from the council will enable safe play under rejuvenated floodlights during the winter months as well.

"This very welcome and generous grant will mean the clubhouse will now be protected from the elements. Going forward, and when it is COVID-safe to do so, this grant will mean more use can be made of the building. In poor weather it is a great facility for children's coaching. It will also safeguard the ongoing refurbishment of the social room being carried out by fundraising efforts of members and donations from the Club family and friends.

"On behalf of the Club, its members and guests, I reiterate my thanks to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for the grant and the support of its officers and councillors."

Councillor Gary McMaster, portfolio holder for enhancing communities, added: "I am delighted that we have been able to help fund these much needed improvements through Commuted Sums provided by local housing developments as a condition of their planning approval. Cottingham Lawn Tennis Club clearly have a great future ahead of them, and it's very pleasing that we have been able to contribute towards it."