Sidmouth's outdoor tennis courts to reopen 'as soon as possible'

Plans are in the pipeline to reopen Sidmouth's Coburg Fields outdoor tennis courts 'as soon as possible'. However, it is likely to be for members-only for the foreseeable future.

The Government's coronavirus recovery strategy, published on Monday (11 May), included some relaxation of lockdown restrictions including that people can exercise outside as many times a day as they want - and this includes playing tennis.

In a statement, Peter Gilpin CEO of LED Community Leisure, which oversees the use of the Exmouth tennis courts, said: "We are therefore considering how best to allow access for members to the courts in... Coburg Fields, and on what basis.

"The Government is clear that social distancing and other restrictions must apply to their use, such as a maximum of two people per court (singles play), or possibly four if from the same household (doubles).

"Organisations such as LED are told to put appropriate measures in place to follow the new COVID-19 Secure guidance.

"It is our intention to find a way to open the accessible courts to members as soon as possible, but before we can do so we must put these appropriate measures in place and recruit staff to do so and ensure the proper use of the courts; nearly all LED leisure staff are currently furloughed."

Mr Gilpin goes on to say that in the light of the measures required and staff situation it is 'unlikely' the courts will reopen this week.

"Once we have finalised the appropriate measures and recruited the staff required, I shall issue another statement informing members of the procedure for booking and accessing the courts.

"It is likely that they will only be available to members in the first instance, although we will review this as we go, depending on demand and the success of the procedures.

"No doubt some of you will be raring to get on court and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, but please bear with us as we gear up for reopening the courts; the health and safety of our customers and staff must be our greatest priority – as always!" he added.

LED is also looking at reopening the outdoor tennis courts it oversees at Exmouth's Phear Park.

Mr Gilpin's statement was published when Seafield Gardens in Seaton were still closed and the courts at that venue, also overseen by the company, inaccessible and therefore not being considered for reopening.