THE tennis courts in Ilminster have reopened after they were deliberately damaged last Saturday (March 16).

Speaking last week (Monday, March 18), an Ilminster Town Council spokesperson said: “As a result of deliberate damage caused to the tennis courts gate, we have unfortunately had to close the tennis courts until further notice.

“Having forced the gate open the hinges have been damaged. This means that the installers will need to come to assess the full extent of the damage before they can be reopened."

Speaking at the time, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We were called shortly after 10.15am this morning to a report of vandalism at Ilminster Recreation Ground in Ilminster.

“It was reported that the gates to the tennis courts had been damaged at some point during the afternoon of Saturday, March 16.

“Enquiries are ongoing. If you have any information or footage which could help our enquiries, please call 101 and quote reference 5224069560.”

The town council has confirmed the gates have now been mended.

The spokesperson said: "After the vandalism to the gates to the tennis courts, I am now pleased to say that they have been mended and they are now open again for bookings."