Following a successful application for assistance to upgrade their floodlighting, the club was awarded £20k from Warwick District Council’s Rural and Urban Capital Investment Scheme (RUCIS); an initiative set up to support locally led not-for-profit, community organisations with capital projects such as building repairs, new facilities, equipment or measures to improve energy efficiency.

The new LED lighting was installed in summer 2023 and since then the club is has been reaping the benefits both in extended game time and financially.

Sara French Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club Manager commented:

“WDC’s RUCIS grant allowed us to raise sufficient funds to replace the old floodlights on nine of our tennis courts, with much brighter, more efficient LED alternatives. As a result, we have saved 45% on energy costs over the last 12 months, with our members reporting a significant improvement in playing conditions. Thanks to the flexibility of the LED heads, we have also been able to reduce glare onto our neighbours’ properties.”

Over the past eighteen months a number of other community buildings, sports clubs and Parish Councils have been awarded RUCIS grants of between £1000 and £20000 towards improvement projects. These include the Band Factory who received £20k for a roof replacement, Leek Wootton and Guys Cliffe Parish Council awarded £20k towards the redevelopment of the recreation ground car park, Kenilworth Croquet Club £6,666 for the installation of a lawn irrigation system and Kenilworth Wardens Sports Club £6236 for new cricket covers and to replace outdoor netting.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers Portfolio Holder for Resources commented:

“Over the years the RUCIS scheme has gone from strength to strength, with many groups, charities, clubs and village halls successfully securing funding for schemes which have made a real difference to their local community. There is still funding available for project applications for the current financial year (to March 2025) and I would like to encourage not-for-profit groups located within Warwick district to come forward with their projects as we may be able to help.”

Sara French added:

“The grant application process was relatively simple too, predominantly due to the support provided by WDC Scheme Manager, Jon Dawson. I think this initiative is incredibly important for local voluntary and community organisations, predominantly because it enables improvement and development that might otherwise be unviable.”

To learn more about the RUCIS scheme visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/rucis.