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Outdoor tennis has resumed in Kent following new coronavirus lockdown measures allowing the likes of Gravesham Tennis Club to reopen

Gravesham Tennis Club were among those welcoming their members back this week.

Outdoor activities such as tennis, golf and fishing resumed on Wednesday after the government eased lockdown measures.

Club member Isabelle Eustache playing with Gravesham Tennis Club's head coach Michel Suleau on Wednesday. Picture: Rob Powell / rob@uretopia.com (34675140)
Club member Isabelle Eustache playing with Gravesham Tennis Club's head coach Michel Suleau on Wednesday. Picture: Rob Powell / rob@uretopia.com (34675140)

Sports clubs must adhere to strict guidelines but welcomed the news that they could open their doors once more.

The Gravesham Tennis Club, in Gravesend, welcomed members back from 10am on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Tennis is an ideal sport to enjoy while respecting the need for safe distancing and many of our our members are keen to resume play now the government and LTA have given the green light to do so.

“Our new code of play will help to ensure members can enjoy their sport while staying as safe as possible."

Guidance has been issued by the LTA.

Changes to play include social distancing at all times, restricting play to singles only - or doubles with members of the same household, only picking up your own marked tennis balls, online court booking, and the closure of the clubhouse.

One-to-one tennis coaching is also available at the members-only tennis club.

Frindsbury Tennis Club in Medway, meanwhile, have been busy too. They are offering short-term membership packages to newcomers.

Head coach Jim Barton said: “We have strict isolation procedures in place, with online booking and with staggered court time and access."

The Sundridge Park Tennis Club in Bromley, one of the biggest in the area, is also back open and they welcomed players back on Wednesday, sticking to the new guidelines and even offering sanitised balls for sale.

Maidstone Lawn Tennis Club have also reopened their courts but the clubhouse remains closed.

The Walmer Lawn Tennis Club is back open with social distancing measures in place and are welcoming new members. Bethersden Tennis Club have also welcomed their members back this week.

The Herne Bay Lawn Tennis Club said they are holding a committee meeting today (Thursday) about reopening.

They said: “Obviously, we would like to be able to get members back on court as soon as we can but safety remains our primary concern and if we move towards any level of re-opening we need to make sure this is handled responsibly.

“The committee is meeting to discuss all aspects of these new developments and the current advice.”

You can find out more about tennis in lockdown here.

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