To mark the unveiling, local MP Kate Hoey and representatives from Lambeth Council joined local school children at the redeveloped tennis park site in London where the pupils enjoyed a tennis session with Marin Cilic, the world number 12 from Croatia as well as British number one doubles pair Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski who are all in London ahead of the AEGON Championships.
The project was completed after Clapham Common received the funding to refurbish eight courts and provide modernised floodlights to dramatically improve the tennis offering at one London’s most popular open air spaces and enhance access tennis opportunities for the local community.
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Lambeth Council, which manages the facility, received nearly £100,000 from the LTA to help improve playing opportunities for the local community, with the council contributing around £150,000. The funding from the LTA is part of the LTA’s drive to get more people – of all ages and abilities - playing the game.
Speaking after the opening, Derek Prentice, Head of Sport and Recreation on Lambeth Council, said: "Clapham Common now has some of the best facilities around thanks to this investment, and I’m delighted that Marin Cilic, Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski, have taken time out of their busy training schedules to come and pass on tips to some of our Lambeth school children.
"One thing is certain; this investment means thousands of people in Lambeth now have access to public tennis courts that meet the highest national standards. Helping people lead active lives by making sure they have access to top sports quality facilities is one of the council's main priorities, so it's great to see these fantastic courts officially open and being used by so many people."
(CD/GK)
