TENNIS courts in a Somerset village have been resurfaced – ahead of the summer holidays – thanks to a donation worth £15,000.

The tired tennis courts at Mells Recreation Ground have been given a new lease of life, thanks to the support of Heidelberg Materials’ Whatley quarry and Heidelberg Materials Contracting.

The company contributed materials and labour worth more than £15,000 to the project, which was completed at no cost to the community. Whatley quarry, near Frome, donated the materials, while the company’s Contracting team, which is now two years into a four-year contract with Somerset Council to deliver resurfacing works
across the county, carried out the work.

“The facilities were in a terrible state of disrepair,” said Tiff Pike, chair of Mells Sports and Recreation Grounds.

“We couldn’t have raised the funds to make this happen, so are very grateful for the generous donation of time and materials from Heidelberg Materials.”

In preparation for the work, volunteers tackled tasks including clearing weeds, cutting grass and hedges, removing tree stumps and dismantling old basketball posts.

The tennis courts, which double as basketball courts, are free to use and form part of the popular community site, which is also home to football and cricket pitches, a pavilion and a children’s playground.

Tim Doyle, framework manager for Heidelberg Materials Contracting, said: “It’s so important to have local spaces for outdoor activities. I am sure the improved facilities will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.”

READ MORE: Frome news from your Somerset Leveller