A tennis pavilion in desperate need of repair has been given a new lease of life.

The Wickford Lawn Tennis Club Pavilion has benefited from a £10,000 revamp partly funded by the Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust and Basildon Sports Council.

The clubhouse has a new ceiling and lighting and new doors throughout. The two large changing rooms were altered to provide extra room in the main pavilion and has been fitted with storage equipment.

Sandra Ellis, club secretary, said: "The pavilion was built by members in the 1960s and was desperately in need of repair and renovation.

"I heard Cleanaway was helping various organisations, including a local church and bowling club, with funding for renovations and repairs. I approached them and was able to secure £5,000, providing this amount could be matched from other sources.

"Basildon Sports Council, who have helped the club in the past with floodlighting and court repairs, came to the rescue and promised £2,500 grant and £2,500 interest-free loan to match the funding."

Published Monday August 9, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo