BELFAIRS golf course along with other outdoor sports areas in Southend will re-open from Friday. 

The golf course and tennis courts were closed to the public from the first week of lockdown, however following updated guidance from the Government around unlimited exercise, including the use of tennis courts and golf courses, plans are being finalised for the reopening of the facilities from tomorrow.

Social distancing measures will be in place to keep people safe while playing.

Players looking to play a round on the Belfairs golf course will only be able to do so in groups of two (two ball), in line with guidance around only meeting one person from another household at any one time.

The free to use tennis courts in a number of the town’s parks, will allow games of one on one, and signage is in place at all sites promoting social distancing guidelines.

The rentable tennis courts at Chalkwell Park and Priory Park are managed by Fusion Lifestyle and will be independently managed by the firm.

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment and planning, said: “With the government announcing golf and tennis as appropriate sports which residents can take part in as part of their exercise, we are now able to announce the facilities are to open from Friday.

"Although the sites are to reopen, I urge residents to adhere to the guidance in place at all of our sites which is for the benefit of everyone and I hope all our park users will follow them.

"Everyone has worked so hard to get to this point, and it is important we don’t let our standards slip as we approach the summer." To book at Belfairs call 01702 525345.