One of world's oldest tennis clubs fears closure

One of the world's oldest tennis clubs fears it may be forced to close its doors permanently if it cannot raise £90,000 to secure a new lease.

In November 2023, Croydon Council announced that it wanted to sell off Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club in Norbury so it could reduce its borrowing and debt.

The club, established in 1889, is listed as an Asset of Community Value so will have first refusal to buy the lease if it can raise the funds needed.

Croydon Council has said it is working with the club "to grant them a long-term [999 years] lease, which will provide them with greater security".

Chairman Blaise Westmaas said: "Families come here, it's rented out for people to use, there's a nursery that uses the facilities.

"It's a community asset and we work hard to maintain that aspect of the club.

"That's why it's so important, not just for the members, but for the whole community."

Member Charmaine Boyd added: "I love the fact that people are so friendly, so welcoming. I love also the competitive nature of the club."

Khamsay Phommavongsa, a member for more than 30 years, said: "I love the club, it's like a family."

Croydon Council said: "We are not selling the Norbury Tennis Club site.

"We signed a heads of terms agreement with them in October 2024, and we are currently in negotiations to finalise the lease.

"We will continue to work with the club throughout the process to avoid any unnecessary concern."

The council added that it had "started an asset disposals programme in 2023 in direct response to central government requirements, to sell non-operational assets to reduce borrowing and debt".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]