The Engagement and Modernisation officer for Leisure Services presented the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services. The report provided the Committee with an update on the sustainable operating model and programmes of inclusive tennis activity that prevented low income from being an obstacle to participation in tennis across the borough. The report included details of how the model supported social inclusion and overall participation in relation to the acceptance of the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) capital grant funding for tennis court improvement works across Wirral, presented to Committee on 21st July 2022. It also provided an update on the current progress of the tennis court improvement works across Wirral.

Members queried re-surfacing issues at Irby Park, Arrowe Park and New Ferry Park. It was noted that these issues had been reserved. Members also queried charging structures and communications. Members were informed that grant funding bid had been secured to ensure residents could access kit. In terms of payment to access these facilities, Members were assured that the fee could be paid monthly. Also queried was Whitfield Common but were informed that Lawn Tennis Associated this did not extent to these Tennis Courts, but officers assured that various options were being considered.

A further discussion was had on barriers to accessing tennis courts, including gating and fencing and ensuring that young people were still able to access the courts.

Resolved – that,

1.the amendment to the charging policy in paragraph 3.28 within the sustainable operating model to ensure that low income is not an obstacle to participation in tennis across the borough be approved.

2. the operating model as set out in paragraphs 3.26 to 3.28 of the report be implemented and a local operator with charges set in accordance with the principles contained in Option 3 in Appendix 4 as modified by paragraph 3.28 of the report be procured.