British tennis calls for more government support

The British Lawn Tennis Association has called for more government support for community indoor tennis centres after warning a third may close because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The LTA supports 54 centres around the country and all have been hit financially because of measures imposed.

The UK government last week announced a £100 million support package for public leisure facilities but the LTA says more is needed.

“While we welcome the recent Government announcement regarding investment into public leisure, this money will be spread thinly across a huge range of publicly owned sport and leisure facilities,” LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd said.

“Community indoor tennis centres play a pivotal role in supporting the physical and mental health of people in their local communities, but Covid-19 has left many in a perilous position.

“We are calling for Government to deliver a comprehensive Sports Recovery Fund, which is needed to help protect these facilities and other venues with indoor tennis courts, which we know are facing huge challenges over the coming months.”