RESIDENTS are being reminded that a pay to play consultation on using tennis courts in Petersfield is due to end soon.

Petersfield Town Council own the tennis courts at The Avenue, and plans to introduce online booking and is also asking for views on paying to play there.

Petersfield resident Adam Buchanan says the proposal will deter people, especially young players, from using the two courts.

He said: “The courts have always been free to use, and if this goes ahead they will become unused.”

For now they are still free, and the online booking system won’t go ‘live’ until November 1 at the earliest says the council.

Council clerk Neil Hitch said: “Nothing has changed yet, players can arrive and use them, and this will continue until the online booking system is introduced, when we will invite people to book on line, and they will receive a code to access the courts.”

One advantage for players is that having booked a court, they will arrive knowing that it will be available.

The system will also help the council gauge how well the courts are used, and maintain them accordingly.

The pay to play consultation closes on Friday (September 30).

Comments should be emailed to Mr Hitch at [email protected] or given at the council office in Petersfield Festival Hall.