No love lost over ambitious tennis club scheme

5:30am Wednesday 21st March 2007

Comments (1)   Have your say »

FAMILIES living near Hampshire's biggest floodlit tennis facility are fighting plans to increase the number of courts by 50 per cent.

People whose homes overlook Totton and Eling Tennis Centre are worried about noise from the new facilities and the likely impact of extra floodlighting.

“Further lighting opposite our home would be intrusive and unacceptable."

Local resident, Clive Clifford.

However, the centre says it wants to be a good neighbour and is vowing to devise a scheme that aims to overcome the objections.

The number of courts will be increased from eight to 12 to meet soaring demand if the town council backs the £200,000 plan.

A group of people living near the facility attended a council meeting to voice their anger at the proposal.

Clive Clifford, of Oviat Way, Totton, said the lighting used to illuminate the existing courts was often on until late in the evening.

He added: "Further lighting opposite our home would be intrusive and unacceptable.

"The noise from the tennis courts would also be intrusive, not only in the day but also in the evening."

The tennis centre's expansion plans have also upset members of Totton and Eling Bowls Club, which occupies a neighbouring site.

Former president Clifford Hewlett said: "There's a lot of noise attached to tennis and this scheme could take our club down a notch."

Project spokesman Richard Cutler said the tennis centre was willing to host an open meeting at which the public could express their views.

He added: "We want to be good neighbours and will find a solution that suits everyone."

The issue was raised at a meeting of the town council's amenities committee, which agreed to seek more information about the centre's proposals.

Officers will compile a report on the level of demand for extra courts, the potential location of the new facilities and any problems that might arise.

Town clerk Derek Biggs said: "We will look at what's possible and desirable. Every-thing will be examined very carefully."