A CONSULTATION has been launched about the future of public tennis courts in Thornbury. 

Thornbury Town Council, in collaboration with the Lawn Tennis Association, is proposing changes to the two courts at the Mundy Playing Fields and is encouraging residents to participate in a survey.

A new pay-and-play system has been proposed.

Visitors will be able to book a court online, pay a fee online, arrive at the scheduled time, and then enter a code into the gate panel to unlock the court.

It is hoped more people will be encouraged to make use of the facilities available and will deter anti-social behaviour at the courts. 

Any money made will go back into keeping the courts in good condition. 

A spokesperson said: “There is lots of evidence showing that people are put off playing tennis if they aren’t able to book a court to guarantee that they will be able to play when they want.  

“We have had many people say this over the years, where people have turned up to play and been frustrated to find the courts already in use.  

“If we install a scheme like this, we hope that by keeping the booking fee reasonable and looking into schemes to make booking more affordable for those on a lower income.”

For more details and the survey see -  https://tinyurl.com/48sfh6tt

The survey will close on Friday, May 12.