As Wimbledon draws to a close for another year, it's game, set and match for budding young tennis stars of the future as Whitemoss tennis courts swing back into action.
After being left to rot for years and publicly grand slammed by tennis superstar Sir Andy Murray, the courts at John Wright Sports Centre have been revamped and are now open for the school holidays.
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) have resurfaced and re-lined the dilapidated clay courts with new nets and posts.
Lanarkshire Live previously told how three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray re-Tweeted a post from a disgruntled local and branded the courts a “shambles” on his Twitter page.
That prompted calls from the public and politicians for something to be done.
It is hoped more money will be ploughed into the venue after Tennis Scotland carry out a scoping exercise for potential future investment.
Billy O'Neill, from Stewartfield, was the first on court with his grandkids, twins Brooke and Blake, and Mia, all eight, when the gates were finally unlocked yesterday.
He told Lanarkshire Live : "What an improvement.
"It's great to see the courts back open again so the grandchildren can have fun and develop skills.
"Hopefully more investment can be made available soon."
Kay Morrison, general manager at SLLC, said she was delighted that Whitemoss tennis courts are open to the public again.
She added: "Thank you to our colleagues in South Lanarkshire Council’s land service team for their hard work in refurbishing the facility.
“After the extensive refurbishment it will be great to see local residents once again enjoying a game of tennis and hopefully getting fitter and healthier whilst improving their game.”
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