WHETHER you’re the future Andrew Murray or a tennis fan who wants to get fit, help is on the way.

Oxford City Council has set aside £224,000 to refurbish all of the city’s tennis courts over the next two years.

And the first project has been completed just as the rain and snow have finally gone, with a £19,000 refurbishment to Florence Park’s five tennis courts.

They have been resurfaced, painted and given new fencing. Courts have been marked out using new, non-slip paint.

The courts can be rented at £3.45 an adult or £1.75 for concessions in advance or on the day.

Mark Lygo, council board member for parks and sports, is himself a keen tennis player and a member of the Oxford Tennis League. He tested out the revamped facilities this week.

He said: “They hadn’t been maintained for several years and had suffered a bit from wet weather from the last year. They are well used and we have had good feedback on them so far.”

Work is also under way on courts at Hinksey Park, while the tennis courts at Bury Knowle Park, Botley recreation ground, Cutteslowe Park, Cowley Marsh Park and Alexander Park will all be improved by summer 2015.

Mr Lygo said: “What we want to do is continue the Olympic legacy and this is one of the ways.”

Phil Jones, sports development officer at the council, said: “These courts are well used but have been showing their age.

“The refurbishment means there is a high quality facility available for the local community again. It will also encourage the budding tennis stars of the future who have been inspired by the Olympics and Wimbledon.”

The courts are regularly used by members of the Oxford Tennis League as well as casual players.

League co-founder Sally Kinnes said: “It is fantastic news. We know how much players value these facilities. It is wonderful.”