AN Altona North mother is upset that the Hobsons Bay Council told her to play tennis in more well-heeled suburbs than near her own home.
Donna Naismith, who visits the Croft Reserve court with her three children, 5, 8 and 11, was told her suburb’s only court is earmarked for demolition.
However, the council denied to the Weekly that this was the case.
Ms Naismith said the state of the court was a disgrace and the council had not publicised its existence.
“I’ve lived in Altona North for 20 years and I didn’t [until recently] know there was a tennis court.
“I was pretty disappointed with the sight of it. There’s no net. It’s pretty hard to play tennis with no net. There were weeds popping up through the court.”
Ms Naismith said there was also rubbish piling up under trees.
When she called the council to complain about the court’s poor condition, Ms Naismith was told it was going to be removed.
She said the council told her to play tennis at Altona Meadows, Spotswood or Williamstown.
“If I want to play tennis with the kids, I would rather ride the bikes down than drive to Altona Meadows or another suburb.
“Do kids in Williamstown have to go to Altona North to play tennis? The answer is no.
“We pay our rates, as does everyone in Hobsons Bay. Altona North is not as glamorous as some other suburbs, but residents still deserve the same facilities.”
The council’s works and assets director Phillip McDonald said it was investigating the possibility of preparing a master plan for Croft Reserve.
“If this proceeds, it will examine all aspects of this reserve including the tennis court,” he said.
“At this stage there are no plans to remove, upgrade or replace the court.
“If the council proceeds with a master plan for the site, the community and tenant sporting clubs will be consulted.
“There are tennis courts for hire in Altona, Altona Meadows, Spotswood and Seabrook.”
