'It's good to be back' - Fylde coast sports clubs open again as lockdown measures are eased

For most, it has been five months of deserted greens, courts and arenas – and careful preparations have been made to welcome back players and visitors.

The St Annes Mini Links course on the Promenade had to close in October but there were happy faces this morning as it was able to open it's greens to the public.

Regular Alan Barrow from Blackpool said he was 'more than happy' to be back on the course.

The 62-year-old said: "It's been a while but it's good to be back here again. We come as a team every Friday but I wanted to be here on the first day it opened.

"It's good to get some practice in as well as a lot of people will probably be a bit rusty at the moment.

Friends Annette Harrison, from Lytham and Linda Briggs, from Blackpool are also regulars at the course and said it was great to catch up.

Linda said: "It's fantastic to just be out and see someone else for a change and have a good, old nice chat while playing golf."

Annette added: "We come weekly and to have not been in such a long time it quite hard but even though it's a bit cold and windy, I'm enjoying every minute."

Fun was also had by children at the new adventure golf course at Fairhaven Lake, which was only opened by Fylde Council in September.

It closed through lockdown a few weeks later but is back in business again and a Fylde Council spokesman said there had been plenty of advance interest.

One of the first to be back on the course was four-year-old Connor Stubbs and his father Damian, 43, from Ballam.

Damian said: "It's good that there are now different things for children to take part in. We came along the front as there are a few parks so to come and have a game of adventure golf has put a smile on Connor's face today."

Also at the course was Will Wood and his four-year-old son William Wood.

Will said William has been counting down the days to play golf again.

He said: "When it opened in September we came near enough every day so he has been waiting and waiting through the lockdown to come and play on the course again. It's good to see it open again."

It wasn't just golf fans enjoying themselves this morning with tennis clubs reopening as well.

Members at St Annes Tennis Club were getting back into the swing of things with the courts looking very busy.

Chairman Sarah Barrowclough said members were eager for their first taste of sports action since last October.

She said: "It's so nice to see members back on the courts again and there are lots of happy faces.

"It's hard to think that it has been more than four months since we were last open and in that time we have been able to refurbish the bar and have a good sort out in the clubhouse but it's a welcome relieve that we are back open again.

"Even though certain aspects, such as squash and table tennis, are not able to commence again yet a number of members are happy to play tennis until they do.

"A big plus is that competitive games can start again. There was none last year but we have got the all clear for 2021 so it's brilliant that that can be done soon."