Rundown tennis courts previously branded “dangerous” by users will be brought back to life thanks to a £57,000 cash boost.

The crumbling courts at Connaught Park in Dover will close for two months while the much-needed repairs are carried out.

Earlier this year, split surfaces, broken fences and falling nets were all visible when KentOnline visited the dilapidated site.

At the time, those who regularly use the park said more should be done to preserve them before they are lost for good.

Angela Condon, from St Margaret's Bay, said of the courts: “They are a danger because of the fencing; the surface is slippery and the nets come down.

“You get lots of idiots in there smashing bottles and leaving rubbish lying about.”

Former P&O worker Stephen Staveley, 62, added: “It’s devastating that it has fallen into disrepair - it shouldn't have got that far.

“All of our facilities should be top-notch.

“But if the council were to do it up, they would probably start charging for it.”

Dover District Council (DDC), which runs the courts, revealed charges will be introduced, with players able to book sessions online in advance.

A spokesman for the authority said this will “benefit players at peak times, maximise court use, and help to keep the ongoing maintenance of the courts to a high standard”.

They added: “All income generated from charges will be invested back into the courts for future maintenance and refurbishment as part of the funding terms and conditions.”

The facilities at the park in Connaught Street will close on Monday, August 19 and reopen to the public by mid-October, subject to weather conditions.

The revamp will include colourful resurfacing, new posts, netting, a perimeter fence and an entrance gate with a key code system.

The project is being funded by a grant of £57,500 from the LTA Tennis Foundation, as part of a nationwide investment to refurbish public tennis courts and open the sport to many more people.

Speaking on the proposed improvements, Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC’s cabinet member for the community, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new investment in tennis facilities in Dover.

“The refurbishment of the courts at Connaught Park will offer a great opportunity for local residents of all ages to get active in a beautiful park setting and improve their health while having fun.”

Julie Porter, the LTA's chief operating officer, added: “We are delighted to be working with Dover District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.

“This investment is part of the LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will ensure that courts are available for people to use for years to come.

“We will also be working closely with Dover District Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on the court and open up our sport to many more people.”

Once the refurb has been completed, the council will work with a local provider to deliver sessions for all ages and abilities, including free weekly sessions where equipment will be provided.

Local tennis leagues will also be competing at the revamped site.