The tennis courts at Dunwood Park in Shaw remain unusable, despite the fact that works to refurbish the courts were supposed to be carried out over the summer.

During the summer, five tennis courts in Oldham, at Alexandra Park, Chadderton Hall Park, High Crompton Park, Lower Memorial Park and Werneth Park, were renovated, with more than £250,000 put towards the works.

Cllr Howard Sykes, leader of the Oldham Liberal Democrats, has slammed the council for the delays, saying it is “not good enough” for the people of Shaw.

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Cllr Sykes said: “The work on the courts was supposed to be finished in time for the summer months when the park is busiest. But here we are in October with no nets on the courts and no new paint job. 

“All the other tennis courts across Oldham Borough have been completed but no joy in Shaw. I’ve now been told that it’s been ’too wet, damp and shaded to attempt’ the work.

“Earlier in the year a team turned up, jet washed the courts, left them unpainted and without nets and marked the job as complete. The problem here is that the council never bothers to inspect the work of its contractors. 

“This is not good enough. And the people who suffer are the users. This investment was supposed to encourage people to play tennis in Shaw when in fact it has done just to opposite.” 

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The council has apologised for the delays to the courts at Dunwood Park, saying the revamp works will take place in the spring next year.

Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “Unfortunately we have not been able to complete the work on the courts at Dunwood Park this summer, and for that we can only apologise.

“Work was initially delayed and since then the contractors have tried four times to apply new line markings but the ground was too wet for them to do this.

“Due to the courts being quiet over autumn and winter we’ve now decided to carry out the improvements in Spring 2025 so they are ready for next summer.

“In the meantime players can use the upgraded courts at nearby High Crompton Park.”