Judy Murray has called on Edinburgh Leisure bosses to "stop taxing tennis" after a £9.40 court hire charge was spotted in The Meadows.
The tennis coach, and mum to sporting heroes Andy and Jamie, took to social media to say she was disappointed to see the hourly charges at park courts in the city.
She also pointed to the fact that Glasgow's park courts were free – adding that tennis should be for everyone, not just those who can afford to play.
Judy has long been working to help ensure young people have access to tennis by reducing the barriers standing in their way – particularly through the Judy Murray Foundation.
Her tweet this week featured a picture which showed hourly court hire prices at The Meadows for April to June and September. It showed that the standard price was £9.40, discount card cost was £7.50, for over-65s it was £6.60 and under-18s it was £4.70.
She posted: "Walking through The Meadows public park during @edfringe and disappointed to see these court hire charges. £9.40 an hour. Glasgow's park courts are all FREE. Come on @EdinburghCC stop taxing tennis. #tennisforeveryone not just those with ££££."
Edinburgh Leisure told Edinburgh Live that their reason for charging more at peak times is to keep courts well maintained, and help ensure free access at other times.
A spokesperson said: "We keep our costs as low as possible to ensure courts are manned, maintained and lit (during darker months). We offer free access during October-March and at designated times in April, June and September, but unfortunately the only way we can support this is to charge at peak times."
What do you think about this? Should Edinburgh's tennis courts be free to all? Email your thoughts to robert.fairnie@reachplc.com or comment on our social media channels.
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