Bowling will replace Slough's indoor tennis courts

Campaigners fought to save the tennis courts

A bowling alley will open in Slough in place of indoor tennis courts despite protests from campaigners.

Slough Borough Council said the courts had made an annual loss of £30,000 since the year 2000.

But campaigners opposed to the move claim more public indoor courts should be built in the UK, rather than closed.

The authority said it would now offer free tennis lessons on outdoor courts thanks to funding from the development of the bowling alley.

Tennis coaching

James Fawcett, chairman of Slough Salt Hill Tennis Club, said his club were "extremely disappointed" at the decision.

"It's a great shame that leisure has taken the place of sport because you can't compare the exercise that comes with tennis to bowling. Bowling does not lead to a healthy lifestyle," he said.

"I have a son who plays, and I don't want the kids and the veterans to miss out."

Councillor Diana Coad said: "On outside courts, there are only so many months of the year when people can play tennis.

"People in Slough were very lucky to have the centre."

Slough Borough Council has pledged to run an "enhanced tennis coaching programme" on "renovated outdoor courts" instead of the indoor tennis courts, and said that 45 children had already signed up for the free tennis lessons to be offered over Easter.