The Sussex LTA have said goodbye to one club while saying hello to four others.

Barcombe, near Lewes, have decided to cut links with the governing body this year.

The small village club, with an estimated 160 members, maintain the affiliation fee would be better spent.

But Wadhurst and Harbour Way (West Wittering) have been affiliated, while Graffham (Petworth) and Hastings Tennis Centre's applications are set to be rubber-stamped.

There has also been a suggestion that Kingston (Lewes) are considering affiliation.

Charlotte Slade, the county LTA development officer, said: "It's a shame we have lost one club this year, but it's very good news that we've a few more on board.

"We help clubs in a number of ways including the offer of a complete insurance package, the opportunity to buy Wimbledon tickets, entries into leagues and county competitions, information about development, interest free loans and other benefits.

"We want to keep as many clubs as possible on the loop so they can be the best they can be. Wadhurst, Harbour Way and Hastings Tennis Centre are medium-sized clubs and Graffham has just the one court but are very proactive with about 150 members.

"For now Barcombe aren't with us. They are quite a small club and they feel they want to serve the needs of the village and run their own programme and that's fine.

"We will stay in touch and play it by ear and perhaps they will feel the need of the benefits we can give them in the future.

"There was talk of them not being able to have an interest free loan, but that was, I believe, down to a misunderstanding and I don't think you can say that they are unhappy with us.

"Some feel small clubs are feeling the pinch these days but a lot depends on the links with schools and communities and we can help in that area."

Barcombe, formed after the war, and affiliated for more than 20 years have an estimated annual turnover of £4,000.

Chairman Dave Tiffin said: "We are only a small club and the fact we had to pay the LTA £863 is quite a lump out of that. We want the club to be ostensibly for the village and at the moment the benefits of being affiliated are limited in our situation. We still have a good relationship with the LTA and will keep the door open."

He added: "Personally, I feel we are essentially a social club and aren't going to be at the forefront of developing new talent, particularly as we have bigger set ups at Falmer and Southdown who attract those with a more competitive edge. We pulled out of the Horam League last year because start times were too early for the working men and women at the club."

Wadhurst has just been launched and have leased a shared £620,000 facility at the Sparrow Green Recreation Ground from the parish council.

They already have 136 adults and 117 juniors who use three Astrocourts and negotiations are ongoing to use a fourth, currently used by the public. The club also have the use of a pavilion with their own changing rooms.

Club treasurer David Goldsmith said: "We have had an overwhelming response, particularly from families and are delighted to be officially affiliated to the LTA.

"It is wonderful to see the club restored. The old club became defunct and fell into disrepair about 15 years ago. Now things are going very well including extensive coaching."

Have you got any tennis news? We're happy to feature players and clubs at any level in Sussex. Call Mike Donovan on 01273 544583 or e-mail him: mike.donovan @argus-btn.co.uk.