TENNIS courts in Barry and Penarth will undergo a major refurbishment, with councillors expected to agree to a deal with Tennis Wales this week.

The Vale of Glamorgan cabinet members will meet on Thursday to consider the work at the courts at Millwood in Barry, Wenvoe, and two courts at Penarth Athletic Field.

Tennis Wales has proposed around £120,000 in funding to upgrade the surfaces at these courts, and to introduce pay gates to monitor usage and reinvest income into tennis in the Vale of Glamorgan.

A report, which will be considered by councillors, said the surfaces of the courts “are currently in a poor condition”.

Following completion of works, Tennis Wales would manage and maintain the courts at Millwood and Wenvoe, after a seven-year lease was agreed with the council.

The courts at the Penarth Athletic Field would continue to be operated by the council until a transfer of responsibilities is agreed with the Penarth Athletic Club.

“Whilst the council previously set charges for the use of tennis courts, it became uneconomic to collect fees at most sites and free use was allowed,” said the council report. “This partly restricted the subsequent investment in sites as no revenue was being generated and many courts are now in a poor condition.”

The report says that court charges will be same as those at Romilly Park in Barry – from £4.50 for an hour – or with family membership available at £39-a-year.

These latest proposals follow on from the renovation of the courts at Romilly Park, which reopened in July.

Speaking at the time, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for leisure, sport and wellbeing Cllr Gwyn John said: “The council is committed to providing the best possible facilities for its residents to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. 

“This objective is shared by both Tennis Wales and Sport Wales who have played an important part in the refurbishment of the courts at Romilly Park.

“It is hoped the work will help increase the number of people regularly playing tennis at this much-loved location.”

And Tennis Wales head of participation Jamie Clewer said: “We are committed to opening up tennis and making the sport accessible to all in Wales.

“The refurbishment of park tennis courts, such as these great facilities at Romilly Park, are key to meeting this aim.

“We look forward seeing these courts used by the local community for many years to come, raising the profile of tennis in the area and seeing more people play recreational and club tennis.”

Cabinet members have been recommended to accept the Tennis Wales grant and, subject to no objections, agree to the seven-year lease.