Stop Elmbridge council from charging £5.50 per hour for a max of 2 hours per day or £40 per year to use the tennis courts. Charging for access to the courts and limiting the amount of time you can play is a huge barrier for the people of Elmbridge picking up or maintaining tennis as a hobby. Asking for a pay to play stops any children and teens (who desperately need access to public recreation to prevent antisocial behavior) from playing tennis games. Asking a parent for money to play a quick game of tennis is absurd and will put children off the game.

Elmbridge courts were refurbished due to a £30million UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation investment 7 years ago which does not require councils to charge for access. 2,500 are currently signed up for the £40 annual membership which stands at a profit of £100,000 per year, plus the pay as you go. I understand this seems like it would be a big boost to Elmbridges' pockets, but please bear in mind the budget is in the millions and this is just a tiny percentage of any streams of income- which the negative effects outweigh the profit. 

Although you can apply for free membership if you claim benefits this is clearly still a barrier as of November 2019 Elmbridge stands at 4,569 people receiving benefits and as of 2022 merely 55 had taken advantage. This seems indicative of a possible lack of awareness about the scheme or more likely the effort to sign up puts people off. To get this you are prompted to email and provide evidence- making this impossible for children and young teens without the knowledge or understanding to sign up. 

The long term benefits of the local community having access to sporting facilities will relieve the strain of local GP and NHS services from fostering a healthy and active lifestyle.

The 2024/5 budget for surrey claimed its top priority was to have ‘‘people live healthy and fulfilling lives, are enabled to achieve their full potential and contribute to their community, and where no one is left behind.’’

We urge the Elmbridge council to reconsider this pricing policy and foster a more inclusive, affordable, and accessible environment for all tennis enthusiasts, regardless of their financial standing. By signing this petition, you are voicing your support for equal access to local sporting facilities.