EDEN District Council has approved funding towards the costs of improvements to Penrith Castle Park and a permanent home for Penrith Tennis Club.

The Council granted £187,000 to relocate the tennis club to Castle Park in hopes it will attract more visitors. The park has recently been given the Green Flag Award, recognising it as a prestigious green space.

In order to meet regulations all four of the park's tennis courts will need to be resurfaced and new netting support will be required around. The work will improve provision for disabled users by providing better access to the facility.

Eden District Council’s Communities Portfolio holder, Councillor Lissie Sharp, said: "Access, opportunity and capability to take part in exercise and physical activity is vital in boosting fitness and supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents.

"The relocation of Penrith Tennis Club to Castle Park will really help to kick-start a rejuvenation of the park and I’m looking forward to seeing the developments in the coming year."

There will be LED lighting in place to ensure that the courts can be used at night time, meaning that they will be usable throughout the year.

To ensure the courts can be fully accessed the the park will now be open 24/7 instead of it being closed between dusk and dawn.

Access will be available through a smart gate which is activated by a pass code through a booking system. Club members and the public will be able to book regular slots.

It is thought that by providing this more readily available access more income will be generated.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be just over £474,000 and a further £100,000 of funding has been allocated to the scheme by Sport England. Penrith Tennis Club will provide £30,000 of funding and Penrith Town Council has allocated £5,500 towards costs.

Robert Cresswell, Chairman of Penrith Tennis Club, said, "This project has been five years in the making and we’re very excited that the long-term future of the club has been secured in Penrith Castle Park."