Game on for new pickel and padel courts?

Shariqua Ahmed
BBC News, Peterborough
Alan Jordan Alan wearing a white track suit jacket and grey trousers and Pep wearing a black track suit- both holding padel tennis rackets Alan Jordan
Alan Jordan (l) and Pep Giuliano, a silver medallist world pickle ball Champion are "excited" about the plans

A successful tennis player is hoping to bring an "inclusive" racket sports facility to Peterborough.

Alan Jordan has resubmitted plans to convert unused tennis courts into padel tennis and pickleball courts at Powerleague Peterborough next to Stanground Academy.

A previous bid for a lawful development certificate to Peterborough City Council was refused because full planning permission was needed for the necessary surface upgrades.

Mr Jordan said the city "deserves a dedicated racket sports centre", adding he was "excited" to bring the sports to the grassroots level.

'Buzz'

Mr Jordan is a British tennis player who has captained England in over 55s international tournaments.

He is hoping to get the go-ahead for five new padel tennis courts and three pickleball courts.

Some of the courts will be accessible for Stanground Academy to use during the day, with "all necessary safeguarding provisions taken care off", Mr Jordan said.

The site would also have new toilets and a changing facility.

Mr Jordan added: "Tennis is looked at as an elite sport but padel tennis provides an alternative for a racket sport.

"It's a more inclusive sport and there's a buzz around it. It's gaining in popularity.

"Hopefully, the council will recognise what I am trying to do as I believe the city deserves a dedicated racket sport centre."

Alan Jordan Two players inside the black mesh cage of a padel tennis court. There is a net between them and the surface is an astro turf green with a white line running down the centre. Alan Jordan
Plans for the new courts include a new surface and upgrades and a new fencing around the courts

Peterborough City Council officers are yet to determine the application.

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