Cromer Tennis Club has announced it will go ahead and axe a concessionary fee for members aged between 31 to 40.
The decision means members in that age bracket will go from paying £165 for their yearly membership to a staggering £400, the standard adult fee.
The proposal was originally put forward in an AGM report, but it was brought in front of the club’s committee this week after concerns were raised by members.
It was feared that people in that age range will give up the sport, leaving the club a “cosy enclave” for retired members.
Cromer Tennis and Racket Club off Norwich Road, Cromer. (Image: Google Maps)
A spokesman for the club said the matter was discussed by the committee “with a range of views presented and freely discussed”.
They decided to amend the membership groups as previously agreed following “careful consideration of the club’s long-term sustainability and overall membership balance,” the spokesman added.
“Our focus now is on moving forward positively as a club and looking ahead to a busy summer of play, tournaments and facility improvements.”
Among those criticising the change was Kelvin van Hasselt, who was chairman of the club between 2019 to 2024.
Kelvin van Hasselt was the former chairman of Cromer Tennis Club. (Image: Neil Didsbury)
In response to the committee’s decision, Mr Hasselt said: “I am very sad that this concessionary membership for 31 to 40 year olds is to be abolished, and for members currently in the club who may not be able to renew their membership at £400.”
The club will continue to provide a concessionary fee for those living more than 20 miles away, including second home owners, at £210 – nearly half what adults in the catchment area will have to pay.
Mr Hasselt added: “What a pity that a 31-year-old in Cromer is paying £400 but a 31-year-old out of catchment is paying £210.”
The club offers a range of sports including tennis, squash, racketball, pickleball and table tennis, and has recently been granted planning permission for two new padel courts.