Sykes slams Shaw tennis court shambles as Dunwood Park users left with no nets through Wimbledon fortnight and into August
Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and Shaw representative Howard Sykes MBE has slammed Oldham Council after tennis court “shambles” at Dunwood Park in Shaw.
The parks’ tennis courts were earmarked for a revamp costing thousands of pounds this summer. But potential users have been left exasperated as the courts were left unusable throughout the summer with no nets and still are.
Councillor Sykes said, “The work on the courts was supposed to be finished in time for the summer months when the park is busiest. But here we are in August with no nets on the courts and other works not completed. During the Wimbledon fortnight more people go out for a game of tennis. But our local courts have been out of action. I have heard that as much as £19,000 was earmarked for the courts to be done up. But it’s been a shambles from start to finish. When can we expect the nets to come back and people be able to use the courts?”
The Liberal Democrat Leader’s criticism comes after the council confirmed the work was completed despite the nets not being in place and reports from local residents that the courts had simply been jet washed and left vacant.
Councillor Sykes said, “How is this supposed to be thousands of pounds worth of work?”
“Is Oldham Council inspecting the work that our contractors carry out or are we just taking their word for it? It is quite an embarrassing position to be in when you have the council telling residents the work is finished when anyone who has set foot in Dunwood Park can clearly see this is not the case.”
“This should be a good news story and from start to finish (whenever that might be), it has been poorly communicated and poorly delivered. Local residents have been let down, another failure to get the basics correct – it is a great shame.”
Councillor Sykes overlooking the tennis courts at Dunwood Park 8 August
Copy of email 7 August from Council
Dear Councillor Sykes,
As requested, please find below an update on the refurbishment and the new booking system for our tennis courts.
Subject: Refurbishment and New Booking System for Tennis Courts
We are pleased to announce the completion of major refurbishments of our tennis courts, thanks to the generous funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The refurbished courts are located at:
- Alexandra Park
- Chadderton Hall Park
- Dunwood Park
- High Crompton Park
- Lower Memorial Park
- Werneth Park
This refurbishment is part of a nationwide initiative carried out by LTA-approved contractors. Despite facing delays due to weather conditions and other unforeseen challenges, the work has been successfully completed, with just some line marking to complete at Dunwood Park in the next couple of weeks.
We are now collaborating with Cabinet members to finalise the process for implementing a new booking system, which we aim to launch by September/October this year.
New Booking System
To ensure the ongoing maintenance of these improvements and support tennis coaching programs, we will be introducing a chargeable booking system. However, there will be designated periods and systems in place to ensure free access for those who will benefit the most.
All funds raised through this booking system will be reinvested into the maintenance of the courts and further development of tennis coaching initiatives. These initiatives will support school tennis programs, the introduction of a disability program, and other LTA schemes such as Local Tennis Leagues, Free Tennis, and Cardio Tennis.
We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this refurbishment period and look forward to seeing everyone enjoy the improved facilities.
Following on from our last conversation, there will be no charges at Dunwood and High Crompton parks. This is a joint scheme with our Environmental Services and colleagues in the Sport, Leisure, and Wellbeing Service.
Many thanks,