Local people in Three Elms in Hereford are celebrating the news that the tennis courts off Grandstand Road have been saved from redevelopment.

The news came last week from planning officers at Herefordshire Council, after a campaign led by local Councillor Charles Nicholls and Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, and supported by Sport England.

Cllr Nicholls said:

“The real victory is that of the people. This has been a campaign for the community, by the community. While I and Jesse have been very active in leading the campaign, it is the community themselves that by writing and helping on the ground have impressed those in authority to think again about what is right and important for the people.

“I have no doubt that the accumulation of evidence both in writing and participation on the courts over the past 12 months or so have convinced Sport England that these courts are a valuable and important amenity, and essential to the wellbeing and future of our children. We are most grateful to that august body. The challenge now is to bring these facilities up to a state of the art facility, and much work still needs to be done.”

Jesse Norman MP commented:

“This is a great win for people power in Hereford. But I would like to pay tribute to Cllr Charles Nicholls in particular. He has worked incredibly hard to restore and renovate the courts, and he has invested his own personal time and money as well. He has been a model of great community leadership.

“The goal is now to make the whole area still better for local people. Anyone who would like to offer their help or support is invited to contact either Charles or myself.”