MORE than £200,000 has been secured to fund a new tennis court and sports facility upgrades in Halstead.

The £210,216 funding was agreed at Braintree Council’s cabinet meeting on Monday evening for the revamp at Courtauld Sports Ground in Halstead

The funds were secured through housing developer contributions from a new estate east of Sudbury Road in the town.

The new facilities, which will be built by Braintree Council, will see a new tennis court constructed from porous tarmac, meaning it  will be accessible to wheelchair users.

If planning permission is granted, the court will be floodlit, allowing it to be used for extended periods of time over autumn and winter.

The funding will also go towards enhancing the sporting facilities already at the site, including football, rugby, bowls and an outdoor gym.

Halstead Town Council said it was “delighted” the funding has been secured.

A spokesman said: “Both the town council and the Courtaulds Sports Ground management committee are delighted the plans to establish tennis courts have at last come to fruition.

“The tennis courts are a very welcome addition to what is already on offer at Courtaulds – bowls, rugby, football and an outdoor gym – and will increase the attractiveness of the site for residents.

“Halstead Town Council is grateful to Braintree Council for their work in making this happen.”

Braintree Council planning boss Gabrielle Spray added: “It’s important housing developers contribute towards the infrastructure required to meet growth of the district and the council is working hard to spend Section 106 funding secured to benefit our communities and bringing in more resource to help with the delivery of these projects.

“These new facilities will provide more inclusive sport for all ages and abilities, and ensure more residents can enjoy being active in our district.”

Braintree Council says it aims to have the facilities open by summer next year.

Once complete, the tennis court and facilities will be handed from Braintree Council over to Halstead Town Council who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance.