COUNCILLORS HAVE AGREED to a renewed request by the Elgin Lawn Tennis Club to take over the Cooper Park tennis courts on a ten-year rent-free lease.

Earlier this year Councillors agreed to the lease with a rent-free period of five years – however, they later learned that the courts were in a far poorer condition that was originally anticipated.

With the Elgin club taking on the role of renovating the courts at considerable cost, it was clear that such work could not be undertaken until there was an extended guarantee on the rent requirement.

Council convener Stewart Cree said: “I am delighted that Moray Council has taken the opportunity to support this local endeavour which will hopefully ensure the continuation of a long-established sports facility in Elgin.”

Part of the new agreement will be that access to the refurbished courts would be available to the general public as a condition of the lease, with access arrangements to be agreed between the club and Moray Council.