The brand-new tennis courts in the Borough Gardens were officially unveiled yesterday.

The new Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr David Taylor, opened the new courts in the afternoon before joining some keen tennis players for a quick game.

The new courts have been converted from the former bowling green in a bid to free up space for affordable housing.

The old tennis court area to the rear of the Trinity Street Car Park is no longer in use and has been earmarked for development.

Cllr Taylor welcomed the new courts and said he thinks they will be prove very popular with Wimbledon just weeks away.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see such professional tennis courts for our town.

He also spoke about the old tennis courts being used for affordable housing and said: “The objective is to build affordable housing for the community, so that people can afford to live in the town. “This is our vision going forward - keeping the residents in Dorchester, so young families can afford to live here. We will look forward to opportunities to keep people in the town should they present themselves. We are for its people, we want them to stay here.”

Former Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Susie Hosford, attended the unveiling and said she has watched the project evolve.

She said: “I am looking forward to playing on these new courts..”

There are now four tennis courts in the gardens which people will be able to play on.

According to the deputy town clerk, Steve Newman, families will be able to purchase a tennis fob, which allows you to book online and access the courts at a price of £25 per year.

Visit clubspark.lta.org.uk/DorchesterBoroughGardens/Booking