Lynne Featherstone

Fortis Green will not be hearing cries of ‘Anyone for tennis?’, with unwelcome restrictions on a local tennis court.

Following the closure of the tennis club on Twyford Avenue in Fortis Green, local residents fought and won access to one tennis court through an agreement between Haringey Council and the developers. However, houses in the development are now being advertised with a ‘private’ tennis court, which has alarmed the local residents who were looking forward to playing tennis again.

After investigation by Liberal Democrat councillor Matt Davies, it has been revealed that although the original permission included wider access to a tennis court, a second agreement with Haringey Council failed to have a similar clause – which means local tennis players face exclusion.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Matt Davies (Fortis Green) comments:

“With Wimbledon getting into full swing, more people are interested in being involved in tennis. The loss of the tennis club was very unfortunate and something that we fought against. But the single court being available to residents in the area was a crumb of comfort – it now seems as if even that crumb is disappearing.

“It looks like we may now need to rely on the developers keeping their word, which they gave at the Committee hearing. But having to rely on that, rather than Haringey Council ensuring effective legal back-up, doesn’t seem to be a very satisfactory situation.”