At this time of year, as Wimbledon fever grips the nation, the country’s tennis courts become busier than ever as we all try to emulate Andy Roddick’s serves, Roger Federer’s forehand, Andy Murray’s drop shots and Tim Henman’s volleys.

I was playing tennis last night with three friends at the Horfield Tennis Centre on Kellaway Avenue, quite a grand sounding name for a venue that yesterday was locked, forcing players to climb over the gate to get in, and also has several courts out of action with no nets.

Last year in Horfield, at the Ardagh Sports Centre as it is officially known, the courts needed to be booked in advance and paid for if you wanted to play. This year, you just need to turn up.

The courts are in a terrible condition, looking like they have not had any investment for several years. A quick search of the Bristol City Council website finds this document, that looks at the future of the site, giving options to either keep the courts here or remove them to somewhere like the Muller Road recreation ground. The bowling green is also at risk, with the clubhouse perhaps being turned into a cafe.

The idea is that Horfield Common and the Ardagh “will be improved for children and young people with the main function of the Ardagh changing from that of a sports focussed site to a site with a broader appeal accommodating some informal use”.

Whatever happens here, some serious investment is needed.

A coach and his charges also had to climb over the fence to get in for their training session in the Ardagh yesterday. Tennis coaching for beginners, improvers and advanced players take place across Bristol: in Canford Park, Westbury-on-Trym; St George’s Park, St George; Eastville Park, Eastville; and Greville Smyth Park, Ashton. Click here for more information.