DORCHESTER Tennis & Squash Club is having a makeover.

In the last few months, one of the three squash courts at Sawmills Lane, has had a major refurbishment, with newly plastered walls and new wooden floor, which has returned it to a very high standard court.

The other two squash courts have had minor repairs and improvements, with plans to similarly upgrade them over the next two years.

Squash club chairman Lee Loder is delighted with the works and said: “The courts are playing better than ever.”

Club chairman Colin Tracy revealed that there are plans in the pipeline for making improvements to the three tennis courts, which include resolving minor surface and drainage problems, with a possibility of providing a purpose-built practice wall.

He said: “We are looking at lots of different ways to improve the playing experience of our members and we are also hoping to attract new players with a love of the game.” This month, painting and decorating has just been completed in the clubhouse, with carpets being fitted and soft furnishings and lighting installed to provide a separate bar area.

The works have been overseen by committee secretary Ros Clark.

She said: “This was a much looked forward to renovation, which we hope will further enhance our members’ enjoyment.”

In the past few years there has been much uncertainty over the club’s future as there have long been plans to expand and relocate the club to an alternative site.

When this finally failed to materialise recently there was a new impetus to improve the current facilities and the club is in the process of renewing it’s lease on the site.

The new general management chairman Lyn Stockham is keen to revitalise the club.

He added: “Having been in limbo for so long there is now huge motivation for us to breathe new energy into our club by upgrading the buildings, renovating the interior and improving the courts.

“Additionally the club has invested in providing an up-to-date website which is a great way to disseminate information, current club news and for members to book courts. I feel the future is looking rosy.”