Issue - meetings

This report reviews the continued success of the Pay-to-Play Tennis Scheme, including participation levels, income generation and investment in court maintenance, and to seek approval for the continuation of free morning tennis sessions during 2026 school summer holidays.

Following consideration the Committee resolved to:

(1)           Note theprogress ofthe Payto PlayTennis Scheme.

(2)           Approve the proposal to offer free morning tennis sessions on all Epsom and Ewell Borough Council owned and managed tennis courts in the borough from 22 July 2026 to 31 August 2026.

The Committee received a report that reviewed the continued success of the Pay-to-Play Tennis Scheme, including participation levels, income generation and investment in court maintenance, and sought approval for the continuation of free morning tennis sessions during 2026 school summer holidays.

The following matters were considered:

a)             An amended recommendation The Chair proposed and amendment to the recommendation, seconded by the Vice Chair, which was tabled. It read: To approve the proposal to offer free morning tennis sessions on all Epsom and Ewell Borough Council owned and managed tennis courts in the borough from 22 July 2026 to 31 August 2026. This received a majority vote, so the recommendation as amended was adopted. (6 votes for and 1 abstention)

b)             Process for residents:  Following a Member question it was confirmed that residents wanting to access the free sessions would need to register but there would be no charge.  They may receive some marketing once registered.

c)             Cost to Council: Following a Member question the Interim Assistant Head of Service & Streetcare would provide details of the cost to the Council and how that was paid following the meeting.

d)             Extension of times free tennis is available: Committee discussed a Member proposal to extend the time limit to say 8am to 3pm or 4pm as the free sessions had been so popular.  It was thought by some that this would be unfair to paid members who would not be able to get access and may feel aggrieved. Councillor McCormick proposed a change to the recommendation to state that free sessions would be available from 8am to 2pm.  This was seconded by Councillor Geleit. The vote gave 2 for, 3 against and 1 abstention.  Therefore, the motion was lost.

Following consideration the Committee resolved to (5 for and 1 against):

(1)           Note the progress of the Pay to Play Tennis Scheme.

(2)           Approve the proposal to offer free morning tennis sessions on all Epsom and Ewell Borough Council owned and managed tennis courts in the borough from 22 July 2026 to 31 August 2026.

Cllr Julie Morris declared a personal interest in relation to this item and left the meeting at 8.45pm.