Plans revealed to make Bristol community tennis courts pay to play

Plans have been revealed to make people pay to use tennis courts which have been free to play for decades.   

Bristol City Council has launched a consultation on proposed changes to how Dingle Close tennis courts in Sea Mills are run, maintained and paid for.   

The council is recommending the two courts join the existing ‘Parks Tennis Operating Model’, which would mean residents pay a fee to use the facilities and book in advance to use them.    

“Currently, use of the tennis courts is free and people can turn up and play,” the council’s consultation reads.       

“However, there is no way of booking a court and the courts are in poor condition. Both courts need resurfacing and the court markings need repainting. 

“The courts would be improved by raising one side to make them level. This work would also protect the mature tree at the north-east corner of the courts.”   

If the courts join the Parks Tennis Operating Model, sports charity Wesport would be responsible for the management and operation of the courts, plus all repairs and maintenance costs.      

The charge to use the courts, which appear on maps dating back to 1946, would be £35 per household per year.      

There will also be a concessionary membership at £25 per household per year, and a pay and play option which costs £5 per hour per court each time a person plays.    

Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, added: “As a council we can no longer afford to maintain and operate Dingle Close tennis courts in the way we do now.   

“Both courts need resurfacing, and the court markings need repainting. That’s why we’re proposing that Dingle Close join our successful Parks Tennis Operating Model.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community who would be able to enjoy the much-needed repairs and restoration on the courts.  

“Wesport would also bring in an accessible and inclusive tennis programme which would include tennis coaching opportunities, competitively-priced coaching for children, community tennis initiatives, and opportunities for residents to play for free.” 

Henry Michallat, Conservative councillor for the Stoke Bishop ward, which includes Sea Mills, said: "Since I was elected in 2021, I have been pushing for the council to restore and maintain the Dingle Close tennis courts and the current proposal from the council is a positive step forward.

"This would be a great chance to finally see the tennis courts restored, as so many local residents within Sea Mills want to take advantage of this sporting space."

The Parks Tennis Operating Model has been used in Eastville Park, St George Park and Canford Park since 2019.    

In September 2023 a decision was taken to add Redcatch Park tennis courts in Knowle into the operating model, but this was met with protest by some local people.   

The Dingle Close tennis courts consultation closes at midnight on December 10. To view the proposal and complete out the survey visit  https://www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/dingle-close-tennis-2023