WALL Heath Tennis Club is hoping to secure funding for a new club house as the current one is in a "dilapidated state".

The existing building at the Enville Road base is several decades old and has been patched up well beyond its intended lifespan.

Club secretary, Claire Colling, said: "We are in the situation unfortunately now however, whereby we are in danger of not having a clubhouse due to its dilapidated state. Despite the healthy number of people attending the club, the Lawn Tennis Association are unable to assist with any funding at all."

She said although an architect had drawn up some plans for the new club house, the total cost was still unknown: "We are in the process now of getting some quotes for a brick built building. We will then have a clearer idea of the overall cost. "

Once the club has all the required information, an application will be submitted to the Landfill Communities Fund, operated by Cory Environmental.

Dudley South MP, Chris Kelly, has agreed to provide guidance and proof read the application, which the club hopes will be sent off within the next few months.

He said: "Local sports provision is really important in keeping people fit and healthy and grassroots tennis is a big part of the solution in our borough. I hope that, with improved facilities in the future at Wall Heath Tennis Club, the chances of finding our own Andy Murray to go on and win Wimbledon will increase.”

Further support has come from local councillors who have agreed to offer guidance on completing future applications to Dudley Council’s community forums capital allocation fund.

The club, which is run by volunteers, has also been raising cash through various fundraising events including a quiz, bag packs and a book club.