A children’s tennis club is in shock after being evicted from its courts by Merton Council after the expansion of the neighbouring primary school was approved.

Tennis nets used by up to 1,000 youngsters at the Dundonald Rec Tennis Club have been taken down and the club can no longer use the courts as of Monday.

However the closure should come as no surprise and the courts will be moved and improved, said council cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton.

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Youngsters playing at the club in happier times.

The club has enjoyed a visit from former world number one player Roger Federer and it said it has inspired hundreds of people to take up the sport over the years.

On Thursday chairman Ernesto Pinto received a letter from the council stating the tennis courts were closed to the public.

He said the tennis courts are now only available for Dundonald Primary School, which was given permission to expand after a lengthy legal challenge by the Protect Dundonald Rec group failed last month.

Dr Pinto said: "I’m shocked by Merton Council’s institutional bullying of the tennis club. They managed to get rid of the historic bowling club and now they’re trying to exterminate the tennis club."

Coun Whelton said: "Work has got under way for the school and as part of that we had to close the courts.

"They will be re-provided as part of the school re-development - they are being re-located in the park.

"We are not bullying, we completely dispute these allegations.

"They were aware this would happen when work got underway."

Coun Whelton said the new tennis courts would be better than the current ones.

The council was given the green light for expansion after the Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge by campaigners on September 12.

The work will mean 30 extra places for children and a new hall will be available for the Outstanding-rated school.

The tennis club is part of the Olympic Legacy Programme supported by Sophie Hosking MBE and Roger Federer.

The club and members of the public will be allowed to use the new courts in the park when work is completed.