CHARD Tennis Club has netted £51,000 from Sport England to renovate its clubhouse and install floodlights on one of its courts.

The News has reported on the club’s efforts to improve the facilities at its home in Zembard Lane.

The project, which still requires planning permission, would see a new clubhouse built and extra floodlights so that all three courts can be lit.

Club coach Sally Freeman said: “We are really excited. The clubhouse will give people somewhere to have a cup of tea after their match and socialise.

“At the moment, we’ve got three very good, well-maintained courts, but then there’s just this old shed which some years ago was vandalised many times, and it’s been boarded up.

“Also, there’s an outside toilet which is just embarrassing.

“Hopefully, once the clubhouse is complete, it will attract more members and be much more attractive for the current club members.

“At the moment, when it’s dark in the evenings and it’s busy, they have to stay outside in the cold, otherwise you just play your tennis and go.”

The project is not likely to take shape until next year, but Sally added: “We’d like to get going as soon as possible.

“I’ve been here for three years and it has built up slowly, which is why we need a third floodlit court.”

Chard Tennis Club was one of six clubs in Somerset to receive a share of £320,000 to improve facilities.

Sport England’s property director, Charles Johnston, said: “This funding will create a long-lasting impact for these grassroots clubs and projects in Somerset, and we are looking forward to seeing these facility improvements make a huge difference to their local communities, and to help more people to play sport.”