Club urges council to fix fence damaged by tree

A free community tennis club in Exeter is urging the council to fix fencing around its courts after a tree fell down and broke it.

The large tree came down at Heavitree Pleasure Grounds during windy weather on 23 January, a few days before Storm Chandra, taking a fence on one set of courts with it.

J.J. Pickin, lead coach at Exeter City Tennis said: "Despite the council locking the gate, people are climbing over the fence. It's a matter of urgency that these courts are repaired before someone gets injured."

Exeter City Council, which own the courts, apologised for the delay to repairs and said it was working to secure a supplier by end of the week, adding it would do all it could to expedite the works within the limits of their control.

Exeter City Tennis has had to turn people away from sessions due to lack of space and want the courts to be back in action for the spring.

Pickin said the sessions are really popular and the facilities need to be maintained properly.

"It sends a message to our residents that our courts may not be repaired and looked after in the future, and it's a shame because these are amazing facilities.

"It's amazing that we have these facilities free to use for the community, but we need to make sure these courts are well kept," he added.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.