A £140,000 public tennis court refurbishment has been completed after flooding issues caused delays.

Work started to bring the Quarry Road Tennis Courts back into use almost a year ago but South Swindon Parish Council, which had commissioned the work, encountered issues with heavy rainwater. 

Now the parish council has confirmed that the months delays are finally over - and the court is now open for members of the public to book. 

A spokesperson said: "The Quarry Road tennis courts are now open and available for booking.

"Booking is available through the National Tennis Association's website: https://quarryroad.swindontennis.org.uk/

"The courts were redeveloped last year thanks to funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA - Tennis For Britain) and the parish council.

"Unfortunately, due to drainage issues, the courts weren't able to open when we would have liked.

"We'd like to thank residents for their patience while we completed the remedial works. We hope you're able to enjoy the courts for years to come."

After flooding impacted the courts, major drainage works were started in March this year, eight months after the courts were first refurbished in July 2023.

The tennis courts are situated in one of the lowest points in Old Town and suffer from water run-off from the Town Gardens, which left the freshly painted courts looking worse for wear.

Neil Hopkins, chair of South Swindon Parish Council said at the time: "We are pleased to share that after a lengthy process of assessing the drainage problems and finding an appropriate contractor, work has commenced to properly address the standing water and other drainage challenges faced at the site," said

"We know this has been frustrating for residents eager to use the courts, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we complete the work. It’s been frustrating for everyone concerned and I’m delighted that work can now take place.”

The courts, which had been managed by Swindon Borough Council before passing over to the parish council to manage, were deemed 'unplayable'. 

According to the parish council, they were sinking into the ground and full of potholes. 

It was hoped at the time that they were set to open in time for Wimbledon in July 2023, but the weather had other ideas, highlighting the drainage issues that were then put right the following March.