HIGHTOWN Tennis Club is opening its courts for club sessions again.

Members of the Gainsborough Road club have been playing singles and doubles matches since the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) published strict guidelines last month following lockdown easing.

But play was restricted to small group bookings up to a maximum of four in hourly slots and players were asked to leave the court five minutes before the next booking.

Now following up-dated government and LTA Guidance, Hightown officials have prepared a Covid-19 risk assessment ahead of restarting club sessions tomorrow night (6 to 9pm).

As part of the measures the club has agreed to keep a record of all members attending each session for 21 days for Track and Trace purposes, while social distancing must be followed.

A committee member will be on duty to organise games and balls will be provided. Members need to come ready for play and with their own equipment and are being asked to stay away if they or any of their household show any symptoms.

The pavilion remains locked and hand sanitisers are being provided.

Hightown's Carole Kynaston said: "The sanitisers will be available at the court entrance so all members can clean their hands on entering and leaving courts as we shall be sharing balls.

"We are asking everyone to leave the club promptly at the end of each session and avoid socialising. And as we have no seating at present we are asking people to bring their own seats."

In the event of rain members will have to take shelter in their cars or use a gazebo, which has been placed in the grounds.

Hightown's Carole Kynaston said: "It is sad to have to put so many restrictions in place, but we all know, it is for our own safety. The booking system for play at all other times of the week will continue as we are required to keep a record of all players using the courts.

"We must thank all our members for their support over the last months."

As well as the weekly Wednesday evening sessions members will be able to play again on Saturday afternoons (2 to 5pm), but Thursday morning sessions have not been arranged at the moment.