Pembury Parish Council gave permission to Jon Swain of JS Tennis Coaching to run children’s tennis lessons from the tennis courts in Lower Green Recreation Ground in 2018. More recently lessons have expanded to include Cardio tennis classes on a limited basis.
We are aware that the tennis lessons have been a great success and have given lots of people enormous pleasure in receiving training in tennis, and also giving health benefits to so many adults and children. We are delighted that Jonny has shared his skills with so many people in the local area.
However, following complaints about difficulties knowing when the courts were free as the coaching schedule was confusing and subject to change, and about fairness of how the coach was selected, the Parish Council decided to review the use of the tennis courts.
The Parish Council discussed these issues with the tennis coach and considered some different options. The Parish Council has now agreed specific, limited coaching times as a balance between the needs of the tennis coach and his customers and the needs of the general public. This will come into effect in April 2022 and will be carefully reviewed in the summer.
Also, rather than allowing more than one coach to hire the courts, further limiting public availability, and ensure a fair selection process going forward, the Parish Council has agreed to invite people to tender for the exclusive coaching use of the Pembury tennis courts for a three-year period.
