TENNIS Club Back In Action But With Strict Conditions

ARDGOWAN Tennis Club has been able to open its courts again to members after many weeks of being shut, following Government easing of some pandemic restrictions.

Various measures are in place to prevent spread of coronavirus.

A booking system for court time is in place so only those coming to play will be at the club. All four courts will be available from 9.30am until 9.30pm in 90-minute blocks, although players need to leave the courts approximately 10 minutes before the end of their session.

Normally the maximum number of people on each court will be two playing singles, with the only occasion when doubles are permitted being when each set of two players both come from the same household.

Players will only handle their own racquet and tennis balls, which will be marked. Players can only serve with their own tennis balls and social distancing will be maintained at all times.

The Greenock club’s convenor, Chris Jewell, said: “There has been quite a desire to be on the courts again and we are glad to be open, albeit it with strict conditions as part of this, at least for the present time.”

“At this stage neither of our two clubhouses or toilets will be open so players need to come dressed for play and leave the club premises immediately after their session and, of course, follow the public health guidelines for hygiene, including the use of sanitisers.

“This is obviously a strict regime and needs to be at this time. The last thing anyone wants is for the actions of some to give rise to more infections, and the only way to find restrictions lessening is to obey the current ones.

He added: “Our leagues have been postponed with some cancelled; we may have to postpone our Greenock and District Championships and our regular coaching blocks have been stopped since March.

“We do look for better days ahead in terms of all the club can do and we are grateful for members sticking by us during our period of lockdown.

“One new feature we are introducing is the payment of membership fees spread over six months by direct debit and this has been valuable to some members and is available to new members too.”

More information is available on the Club’s Facebook page or by email to ardgowantennisclub@gmail.com or from Chris on 01475 783000.