Judy Murray visits St Albans in wake of blaze

Andy and Jamie Murray’s mum declares support for rebuilding Batchwood

ST ALBANS played host to one of the world’s most famous mums yesterday as Judy Murray, whose sons are tennis players Andy and Jamie Murray, visited the city to support the push to rebuild Batchwood Golf and Tennis Centre.

Judy visited London Colney Adventure World yesterday (Thursday) and was at Harpenden Sports Centre this morning to share her expertise with children and their parents.

At London Colney Judy was presented with cupcakes decorated with icing depicting her well-known children. Jamie, who plays left-handed, won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2007 with Jelena Jankovi?, and Andy is the current Britain No 1 and No 4 in the world.

She urged St Albans district council to resurrect Batchwood Golf and Tennis Centre, destroyed in a suspected arson attack in August.

Judy said: “It has to be rebuilt and it has to be done in a way that allows it to grow.”

Mandy Franks, who set up the tennis programme at Batchwood 23 years ago, welcomed Judy’s support for local tennis.

Following the August 10 blaze, Batchwood’s tennis programme has been forced to run at other facilities in the district.

Judy visited the now demolished site to see the preparation for the return of tennis later this year. The council will erect a dome over the remaining outside courts to enable part of the Batchwood tennis programme to resume at the area.

The council’s portfolio holder for sports, Cllr Mike Wakely, said everything was being done to rebuild the tennis centre, and the bowls and golf clubhouses.

He added: “In the meantime, please support the golf, tennis, bowls and other sports clubs who used the facilities at Batchwood to ensure they continue to form part of the local sporting community.”

Anyone interested in playing tennis can phone 01727 827667, extension 233.