The revamped tennis courts in Irvine’s Thornhouse Avenue are now ready for action - and should reach a good playing standard by next month.

That was the welcome message from the Irvine Tennis Community group, who took on the facility following a community asset transfer from North Ayrshire Council almost two years ago.

A series of successful funding applications have helped totally transform the sporting venue, which was opened in a blaze of publicity by legendary coach Judy Murray last September.

The courts have now been fitted with a synthetic grass surface and are open for play.

Doe Sports have advised that the surface will take around six to eight weeks from the end of January for the astro to fully settle and get to a good playing standard.

An independent bounce test will be carried out by the LTA in March to ensure the courts meet the playing standard for LTA competitions.

The surface is a sand-dressed astro surface. Thirteen tonnes of sand have been laid on courts to aid the bounce of the ball and acts as a cushion for joints on the body.

Irvine Tennis Community have advertised for a coach on the Tennis Scotland Coaching Facebook page and are hoping to run classes again as soon as a coach is involved.

Plans to build a clubhouse are in place but they need  to apply for more funding.

As usual the group are always looking for people who are willing to help run the club. 

The current committee have done a huge amount of work over the last three years and say it’s always good to get new hard-working people who want to do their bit for the community.