THE grand opening of Chepstow Tennis Club's new courts took place last Saturday (7th March).

Mayor Ned Heywood, cut the ribbon on the £50,000 investment. The club opted to lay an artificial grass surface.

Chairman of Chepstow Tennis Club, Ian Russell, said: "Today marks the end of a journey that, believe it or not, started over 12 years ago when the tennis courts were last renewed.

"Grass courts are completely impractical in this day and age because of the care and attention they need, however artificial grass surfaces have made enormous progress over the last few years and can now provide a surface much closer to the real grass experience – and are much kinder to old joints.

"We also noticed when playing league matches at other clubs in south Wales that artificial grass type surfaces were being laid and that we were at a disadvantage as they can take a few games to get used to."

Mr Russell thanked Chepstow Athletic Club, the New Grove Trust, the Welsh Church Fund, Herbert Lewis, Runway and club members who had all helped raise the necessary funds.

"The renewal of our courts provides the club with a spring board for further development and hopefully attract more people to tennis. We provide both competitive (league and competitions within the club) and social tennis for all standards and all ages, with an extensive coaching programme starting with the juniors."

The club now turns its attention to fundraising for mini-tennis courts to bridge between the local schools and the club.