CALLS are being made for North Wales' tennis courts to be re-opened, in line with the rest of the UK.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is backing National Governing Body, Tennis Wales', calls for courts, closed earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to be re-opened.

Tennis is now being played safely across the rest of the UK and Western Europe, but Wales remains one of the few countries where courts remain closed.

Commenting, Mr Millar said: “There are excellent tennis courts and facilities in Abergele, Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn and Ruthin that people could be enjoying right now, but can’t because the Welsh Government won’t allow it.

“It is ludicrous that two households in Wales can now get together in back gardens and in public spaces, but two people cannot enjoy a game of tennis in the outdoors.

“Tennis is a non-contact sport so can easily be played whilst adhering to social distancing rules. I appreciate that doubles matches would not be possible at the moment, but there is no reason why people can not enjoy a singles match.

“I know that Tennis Wales have raised this matter with the First Minister, urging him to review his decision on this and I completely endorse their calls. Let’s get our tennis courts reopened!”

Among others backing Tennis Wales' call to re-open the courts is Rhyl Tennis Club coach Jonathan Dawes.

The 17-year-old won the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Young Person of the Year prize in 2019 and is also the Welsh Youth Parliament member for the Vale of Clwyd.

Jonathon wrote a letter to First Minister Mark Drakeford and also set up a petition alongside ex-professional tennis player Fran Lewis, calling on the Welsh Government to allow outdoor tennis to restart in Wales.

In his letter, Jonathon wrote: "Tennis is one of very few sports where social distancing can be embraced and take place easily, not forgetting that it is an exceptional form of exercise.

"In Wales, we are lucky enough to have 1250 tennis courts, 95% of them outdoors. If this three-week delay goes ahead, then I believe this will have dire implications on tennis players and coaches across Wales which will result in long-lasting consequences felt by all."

3,274 people have signed the petition here: www.change.org/p/welsh-government-allow-outdoor-tennis-in-wales-to-restart