One of the oldest tennis courts in the town could come under new management.

It means the 70-year-old facility in Town Gardens might be given a revamp.

Player Alec Bourne has suggested South Swindon Parish Council should take it over and bring it up to date.

His idea has won the support of chairman of the leisure and amenities committee, Neil Hopkins.

Alec said: “I’m a very proud member of the community. The courts have been here since the 50s and for the last 30 years they’ve not really been looked after.

“There are holes everywhere, loose gravel and you can’t read the lines either which is very debatable when you’re playing.

“The ball goes anywhere it wants and it’s not really great to play on.”

He believes that the parish would be able to rejuvenate the courts if given control.

“The facilities are here and they just need to be looked after.

"The parish could do a really good job of looking after it just like it already does with the Town Gardens and the rec next door.

“It will give it the love and attention it really deserves. We’re not asking for a new court, just to make it playable with new tarmac and fresh lines.”

Coun Hopkins told the Adver: “It’s a community facility that is looking very tired, worse than tired, and this is what we’re about.

“We’re about providing facilities to residents of South Swindon.

“We’re talking about people’s health.

“Outdoor exercise is much safer at the moment with Covid and for me to actually have a facility like this that could be vibrant makes a lot of sense.”

He accepted it would would take some funding to get the courts back to a decent condition.

“Yes it’ll cost us some money and I don’t want to make any disparaging remarks about Swindon Borough Council but it’s not something they’re doing.”

Dale Heenan, borough council cabinet member for culture and heritage, said the authority, which is responsible for the tennis courts, would be interested in hearing any proposals.

He said: “The council would consider a request from the parish but none have been made yet.

“I’ve only heard this through the media but I’m interested.

“South Swindon Parish Council is the richest parish in the town with over £2 million sitting in their bank accounts.

“If they want to invest in their local area, such as the tennis courts, then I’m sure this is a conversation that many residents would welcome.”