FINDING free entertainment can be difficult during the summer months. 

Freedom Leisure and Worcester City Council are offering use of the tennis courts at Cripplegate Park and Gheluvelt Park on selected dates in July and August.

Richard Udall, Worcester City Councillor for St John's, has campaigned for several years to gain free access to Cripplegate's tennis courts.

Mr Udall said: "The new tennis courts are brilliant, the facilities are ace, but it's just far too expensive for many residents, especially children and students.

"I'm pleased to have secured a limited period of free tennis to enable people new to the sport to have a go, to enjoy it and get fit."

The five tennis courts in Cripplegate Park and two in Gheluvelt Park opened in September 2020 after a £377,000 investment from the City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) allowed the Council to resurface the two existing courts in Gheluvelt and construct five new courts in St John's.

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Mr Udall added: "Most people don't play any form of sport once they have left school.

"I passionately believe in free access to sport so sport can be available to the many, not just the few.

"I urge all those who enjoyed Wimbledon to come on down and have a go!"

Use of the courts will be free between 5pm and 8pm every Wednesday and between 2pm and 6pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Lisa Kordas, Freedom Leisure general manager, said: "We are thrilled to be working with Worcester City Council on this project.

"It will offer 385 hours of free tennis to Worcester residents from Wednesday, July 17 to Sunday, August 18.

"Whether you are an experienced player or a complete beginner, this is your chance to enjoy the Worcester parks' tennis courts."

Equipment such as rackets and balls will be available to players on request.

The courts can be booked on the Freedom Leisure website.