Anger as charges to be introduced at tennis courts at Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Ashford

Angry tennis players say the introduction of charges at courts that have been free for years will put people off the sport.

Site operator Freedom Leisure is slapping a £6 per hour fee on two courts at Spearpoint Recreation Ground, Kennington, in a move it claims will "make tennis more accessible to everyone".

But residents say the company’s decision will do the opposite and fear the facility, which sits across from The Conningbrook Hotel, will barely be used.

The new charges will come into force on Sunday, July 21, from which point players looking to use a court will have to book sessions online.

Once they have selected a time slot and paid the fee, they will be sent a passcode to access the site, which will be behind a locked gate.

But Little Burton resident Rob Dell, who has started taking his son Leo to the site for a quick game before school, says he will not be paying the new charge.

“It has been free for as long as I can remember so I don't know why they are changing it now," he said.

"I think £6 is excessive, it should be a couple of quid as it's a community resource.

"We have been using the courts four times a week so I'm now not going to be paying £24 a week to do it."

Angela Cooper, who often walks through the recreation ground, known locally as The Ridge, believes the new charges could put youngsters off taking up the sport.

The 70-year-old added: “It's nice the facility is there, and in season they are quite well-used, but I think they should stay free.

“If people just want to improve their tennis skills, or take their children there, it will put them off.

“I suppose the nets need changing every now and then, but they have managed without charging for this long.

“It appears it's just a way to make money.”

Dog walker Chris Alldis says having to book online will cause people “a lot of hassle”.

“I think they should be free and that £6 is a bit much,” the 69-year-old added.

“It will put people off, especially kids if they have to pay for it."

Freedom Leisure, which runs the facility on behalf of Ashford Borough Council (ABC), says it is "introducing a sustainable operational model" at the courts.

Bosses say they are working with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to "address poor court conditions and restricted access" as “many barriers exist for park tennis players” across the country.

It says annual passes will be available to purchase although it is not yet known how much they will cost.

The company will also offer free-of-charge sessions for specific groups such as those with special educational needs.

A spokesman said: “Following agreement with ABC and in consultation with the LTA we have decided to introduce these changes to make tennis more accessible to residents and the community of Ashford.

"As a not-for-profit leisure trust we are all about improving lives through leisure and the changes will allow us to continue to maintain the courts so they can be enjoyed for many years to come including moss removal, line painting, replacing nets and ensuring the courts are secure.

“We will also be able to manage the use of the courts and balance the programme so everyone within the community can benefit.

“With the support of the LTA and the findings from a recent survey sent to almost 800 users of the courts at Spearpoint, we are committed to turning these courts into a community-focused facility.

“We will offer coaching sessions, family sessions, a tennis league and free park tennis at certain times.

"Additionally, we will provide opportunities to upskill local coaches and train new volunteers to support grassroots tennis.”

Freedom Leisure also operates Ashford's Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium, and Tenterden Leisure Centre.

Last year, ABC spent £360,000 on a new play area next to the tennis courts as part of a town-wide £1.1m regeneration project.

Players were previously charged to use the courts, but the facility has been free for more than 15 years.

KentOnline approached ABC for comment.