Tennis courts in five of Bury’s parks have been refurbished after receiving government funding to encourage some future stars of Wimbledon. 

The tennis facilities at Private Peachment VC Town Meadow Park, Openshaw Park, Clarence Park, Manchester Road Park and Nuttall Park have received the installation of gates and an online booking system.

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A total of 1,000 public tennis courts were refurbished on the eve of the Wimbledon Championships, after the rollout of a £30million investment in the grassroots sport.

Wimbledon started on July 1 and will finish on Sunday, July 16 after two weeks of action. The investment into tennis courts across Bury and the UK hope to inspire future Andy Murrays and Emma Raducanus. 

The £30million package includes £21.6million from the government and £8.4million from the Lawn Tennis Association, and this is the most significant investment in grassroots tennis for a generation.

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Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing, said: “We have a great partnership with the LTA, as we share an ambition to encourage more people to take up tennis and get fit too – and in the wonderful surroundings of our Green Flag parks.

“Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants.

“Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and women and girls.”

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The LTA recently announced a rise of 43 per cent of adults playing during 2022 and women's participation has risen by 34 per cent. 

Bury North MP James Daly said: “I welcome this investment from the Conservative Government in so many of our parks right across Bury North.

“Funding for grassroots sports is essential to get people active as part of our priority to cut NHS waiting lists.

“The new facilities are a great addition to opportunities for sport in our area.”

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