I believe the project would have kick started other developments in the area

Councillor Sophia Drew

Denbighshire County Council had hoped the proposed development in Prestatyn could help solve the problem of what to do with the Ffrith Beach site.

The area has remained in limbo since 1996 after it was left partially developed when European Grants to the former Rhuddlan Council ran out.

On Tuesday Denbighshire councillors are expected to discuss the decision by Tennis Wales and Sportlot to withdraw their support and to explore alternative solutions.

County Councillor Sophia Drew said: "I am concerned about the loss of the indoor tennis centre.

"I believe the project would have kick started other developments in the area which has remained empty since its redevelopment in 1996."

Ms Drew added: "I was devastated and extremely disappointed when I heard that the funding had been withdrawn.

Scaled down

"I have played tennis all my life and it is a sport which both the young and old can enjoy."

Originally the plan was for a four-court indoor facility in Prestatyn which would have cost around �2.3m.

But the scheme was later scaled down to �1.6m - with just two indoor courts - plus external facilities.

That is not to say that at sometime in the future the project will not get the go ahead

Peter Hybart, Tennis Wales

However Tennis Wales have insisted the project has not been completely shelved and the situation will be reviewed.

Chief executive of the group Peter Hybart said: "There wasn't sufficient funding to back both projects.

"We had to identify where our priority lay and make a decision between the two.

"That is not to say that at sometime in the future the project will not get the go ahead."

Sportlot argues it can only support one such tennis facility in the area - and the Colwyn Bay centre has been chosen.

Denbighshire Council stresses that it is continuing efforts to secure a viable future for the Ffrith site.