Irvine’s tennis club will now take over the town’s courts after a bid for a community asset transfer was agreed.

The council’s cabinet approved Irvine Tennis Club's plans to take on ownership of the site at Thornhouse Avenue for £1,130 [one percent of the property valuation] yesterday.

We reported last year how Irvine Tennis Club formed with plans for a community asset transfer – aiming to offer functional tennis courts, improve fitness and wellbeing, offer kids coaching.

Meeting papers state: “During the summer of 2021, the club undertook the work necessary to bring the courts up to playing condition. This provided an opportunity to engage with the local community.

“An online survey was carried out with results showing overwhelming support for the club’s aspirations to acquire the courts. In addition, several offers of support came in from the local community keen to volunteer."

Speaking to the Times last year, Irvine Tennis Club’s chair Chris McKenna said: "We’re looking to get a community asset transfer but that will take a while – but we’re trying to get the courts cleaned up so they are playable and start to get groups back there.

“I’ve been in contact with North Ayrshire Council and Tennis Scotland and a few Irvine councillors also got back being very supportive.

“Hopefully things won’t take too long. We’re trying to get it up to a decent standard then it would be good to get a wee clubhouse built and storage facility.

“We will be looking for members and looking for sponsorships.”

Visit www.irvinetennisclub.co.uk or email secretary@irvinetennisclub.co.uk