Louis Gunn is looking forward to a summer and winter of tennis activity on the courts.

As coach of Maldon Tennis Club - one of Essex's newest clubs - Gunn used to dread September coming around because it signalled the closing down of the two-court facility.

But now with the courts resurfaced - they were unveiled in February this year - Gunn will be able to coach all year round.

"The courts used to close down every September for the winter because the hard courts were too dangerous and people would slip over," Gunn told the Evening Gazette.

"Before they were resurfaced they were a health hazard and in such a poor state.

"It was a real struggle when we had to close because the children that had been playing during the summer would find something else to do and wouldn't turn up the following year."

Gunn has been instrumental in setting up the club, based on Park Drive behind the bowls ground, which has been in existence since February 2002.

Gunn said: "After writing to the Maldon and Burnham Standard about the idea of having tennis courts in the town and having my letter published a lot of people were interested in the idea.

"With support from Maldon District Council we managed to get things rolling and then we looked into getting the courts resurfaced.

"It's been one step at a time with the latest trying to become affiliated to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)."

And Gunn, who also coaches short-tennis at Blackwater Leisure Centre, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Great Baddow Tennis Club.

"They're the top side in the area. In football terms they're like Manchester United compared to other local clubs around us.

"We're hoping to emulate what Great Baddow do. We've got a long way to go, but it's only worth copying the best club."

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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