Lights go on at Sanderstead tennis club (From Your Local Guardian)

Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway opens new Sanderstead tennis courts

2:30pm Thursday 15th November 2012 in Croydon By Chris Baynes, Reporter

Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway turned on the lights at a Sanderstead tennis club with the opening of two new floodlit courts.

Mayor Councillor Eddy Arram also netted an invite to the switch-on at Sanderstead Lawn Tennis and Social Club on Penwortham Road, where the synthetic grass courts were unveiled to the public.

Mr Ottaway, who chaired the All Party Parliamentary London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Group, said he hoped the new £30,000 facilities would encourage more people to reach for their racquet.

The Conservative MP said: "Andy Murray’s Olympic gold marked a first in this country since 1908 and his mixed doubles silver medal alongside talented Laura Robson will have inspired many to pick up a racquet. But no-one wants to play tennis in the dark.

"I hope these new facilities at the Sanderstead Lawn Tennis & Social Club will inspire many more residents to compete for game, set and match."

Sport England’s Inspired Facilities scheme contributed £20,000 towards the cost of the floodlights. 

The club, which dates back to at least 1903, already has two floodlit clay courts and two unlit courts.