AS THE oldest tennis tournament in the world gets underway at Wimbledon this week, an Epsom and Ewell councillor has served up a petition to save cracked courts in the borough.

More than 100 residents have signed Councillor Jane Race of College ward’s petition to have the courts at Alexandra Recreation Ground in Epsom resurfaced.

Cllr Race says the courts have not been resurfaced for 10 years and has appealed to the council to find the funds to do so.

A spokesman for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council confirmed there were currently no plans to resurface the courts due to a shortage of funds.

In her petition Cllr Race argued “given the present obesity crisis in the UK and the strain this has on our NHS”, providing “quality leisure facilities” should be made a priority.

She said: “They are quite badly cracked and have an uneven surface. If left they will not be safe for people to use.

“I started playing there when I was quite small and I’m keen that the next generation of people will be able to use them.

“It is important we have free facilities for people, especially the young, who can’t afford club membership.”

When this newspaper went to press yesterday, 149 people had signed her petition, with several signees leaving messages of support.

Jo Bland from Epsom wrote: “The council should not forget investing in sport facilities saves healthcare issues longer term that are expensive to treat.”

Mark Ayers from Epsom wrote: “The three tennis courts are a great facility to have in the park as (it) encourages all members of the community to pick up a tennis racquet and exercise.

“This facilitates precious family time together and is a healthy outdoor activity.”

Cllr Race added: “In order to justify [resurfacing the courts] the council have to see that they are well-used and in demand.

“I know they are well-used.

“They are well-used at the weekends, especially during the summer. It is hard to get a court.

“A petition is basically the only way to see the numbers.”

A council spokesman said: “There is no maintenance scheduled to resurface the tennis courts at Alexandra Park.

“We have very limited funds to undertake such activity, and expenditure is prioritised to those projects in greatest need.

“However the council welcomes petitions and recognises that they are one way in which people can let us know their concerns,” the spokesman added.

To sign Cllr Race’s petition, visit change.org and search for Alexandra Recreation