Outdoor dining area at hotel, bar and restaurant in Chester city centre has renewed permission

Jun 11 2009 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

TENNIS fans can get in the mood for Wimbledon by playing on school courts which have been opened to the public for the first time.

Malpas Sports Centre management has collaborated with Bishop Heber High School to make its four quality courts available for the first time.

The courts will be open to the community from 5.30pm until dusk every weekday evening until October.

Jon Kelly, operation manager of Chester and District Sports and Recreation Trust (CADSART), which runs Malpas Sports Centre, said he was trying to open more of the sports club’s facilities to the public.

“Wimbledon always sparks a period of tennis mania, which is great for boosting fitness levels but unfortunately until now Malpas Sports Centre hasn’t had any courts for the community to play on,” he said.

“Bishop Heber High School has four high quality tennis courts which have never been open to the public before. So now everyone can embrace the Wimbledon spirit and have a go.”

Courts are priced at £4 for adults, £2 for juniors and £3 for families.

Mr Kelly said tennis was a great way of keeping fit during the summer.

“Tennis is great cardiovascular exercise but unlike running or going to the gym the challenge of the game distracts you from the fact that your body is working quite hard,” he said. “It’s also a great family activity to keep the kids occupied during the summer holidays.”

CADSART is a not-for-profit charitable organisation which runs a number of leisure centres in the area, including Northgate Arena and Christleton Sports Centre in Chester and Woodford Lodge in Winsford.

To book a tennis court call 01948 860487 after 5pm Monday–Friday.