New System for Saffron Road Tennis Courts

The tennis courts at Saffron Road Recreation Ground will be operating a new booking and access system starting Monday 11th December 2023. In partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Higham Ferrers Town Council secured grant funding to enable the new Smartgate entry system to be installed. This will provide a more modern approach to how our community tennis courts can be booked.

The previous booking system required online booking, with key collection and return from the Town Hall. There is no longer the need to pay a deposit for the keys, and anyone that has previously paid a deposit will be contacted for their deposit return. Whilst the courts still need to be booked online, a pin code will now be sent with your confirmation email allowing you to access the courts directly, with no need to divert to the Town Hall. The booking system only applies to the tennis courts, the multi-use games area remains free and open during the times stated on the displayed signage at the area.

To help us ensure the tennis courts remain kept to their high standard, and in a clean and playable condition, a £5 per hour hire fee is in place. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual pass for your household for £50, which enables 4 members of your household to play all year round. All payments will need to be made online. Details on the annual pass and how to book can be found at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SaffronRoadRecreationGround

The Ferrers and Rushden Tennis Club also use these courts for their sessions on Sunday mornings and from April to September, Wednesday evenings. If you are interested in more information or wish to join them you may contact them directly; https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ferrersrushdentennisclub

We hope that these changes encourage more members of the community to use the facility. Tennis is a great sport for maintaining health, fitness, strength and agility; it also has social and psychological benefits too; why not give it a go at Saffron Road Recreation Ground.