Northampton outdoor sports venues torn between disappointment and understanding over lockdown closures

Outdoor sports venues in Northampton are torn between disappointment and understanding at being closed by the third national lockdown today (Tuesday, January 5).

Tennis clubs, golf courses, football pitches and others have had to shut their gates in England as the government tries to curb the spread of coronavirus having been open under the tier system.

Duston United Tennis Club manager David Barr said: "On the one hand I can understand the need for the lockdown but closing down tennis and golf in particular seems harsh as in club environments we can control numbers and have Covid measures in place.

"Both these sports are in a lot of people's opinion 'safe' because of the distances between people on a golf course or tennis court.

"We know how important exercise is for people's physical and mental health so it's difficult to take when you can meet one other person for a walk but you can't play tennis with your daughter from your own household!

"On the other hand I can see why its easier for the government to close sport down altogether to prevent people gathering and then there are no grey areas about the rules.

"A minimum of six weeks of lockdown is a long time without outside sport. There's only so many times you can walk round your neighbourhood without driving yourself loopy!"

Outdoor sports facilities have been benefiting from a rise in popularity during the pandemic as people cannot do some many things but can play tennis or golf.

Brixworth Tennis Club secretary Sandra Moxon said they now have 192 members with just three courts - around three times the average for a club of that size.

"From a personal point of view, the government has had to come down and be equitable and it tried to be sensible by letting golf and tennis go ahead," she said.

"But it wasn't seeing any improvement with Covid and if you give an inch, they will take a mile so while it's very disappointing for Brixworth Tennis Club, it's equally disappointing for other tennis clubs but we know that we're doing our bit."

Not being able to play means refunds for members which could have a financial toll on clubs, according to Northampton Tennis Club head coach Simon Gallo.

He added that coaches, many of whom are self-employed, will also be left with no pupils to teach during the lockdown and therefore no income so it will be a worrying time for them.

"It's difficult but there are people who are a lot worse off so we try to be a bit more positive as there are people going through a lot worse," he said.