A total of £300,000 is set to be invested in public parks across Greenwich, as part of a partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The UK Government and the LTA Tennis Foundations Park Tennis Project will fund the renovations of park tennis courts in Greenwich.

The refurbishments come as part of nationwide plans to revive public tennis courts across the country.

There will be six courts renovated in Greenwich, with the council stating that the refurbishments will see “new gate-access technology and booking systems".

Greenwich Council also says that the plans to bring tennis courts back to life are “vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants.

“Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women and girls.”

Alongside the renovations, Greenwich Council plans to hold weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, where equipment is provided.

Local tennis leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.

The six parks set to be renovated are: Altash Gardens, Bostall Gardens, Kidbrooke Green Park, Maryon Park, Plumstead Common and Chesterfield Walk.

The council says there will be a hire fee at various times during the week and weekends, at £3 per court, per hour.

The cost is to help maintain the condition of the courts, once the work has been completed.

However, Greenwich Council says 30 per cent of the court times will be available free of charge, and an annual household yearly pass will be available for £30.

A statement added: “We have taken steps to ensure that cost is not a barrier for those who cannot afford to pay. Individuals who receive 'means tested benefits' can apply for a free £30 household yearly pass.”

Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, Adel Khaireh, said: “If we want young people in Royal Greenwich to follow in the footsteps of fellow southeast Londoner Emma Raducanu then we need to give them the best facilities we can.

“Tennis is for everyone – not just those who can afford the high fees of private clubs.

“We have some of the highest levels of childhood obesity in London and we need to get more people from all backgrounds into sport, having fun and getting active.”

Work on the parks is set to be completed by spring 2024, and sessions will be available to book on the LTA website.