Strictly star Judy Murray fights for tennis club in Brighton

The tennis titan says plans to evict Badgers Tennis Club from its home in Church Place, Kemp Town, Brighton, are “so sad”.

Landlords Bharat and Bipin Chotai want to reclaim the courts to redevelop the space, meaning Badgers would cease to exist after 128 years.

But the brothers’ plans have been met with fierce opposition as more than 3,500 people have so far signed a petition to save the club.

And now, the matriarch of tennis has joined the fight.

Badgers Tennis Club faces losing its home (Image: Badgers Tennis Club)

“Places and spaces to play are crucial for the nation’s health and wellbeing and community clubs are the bedrock of tennis across the country,” said Judy, tennis coach and mother of two-time Wimbledon winner Andy Murray.

“So many of our oldest clubs are in prime residential or built-up areas.

“They are vulnerable to closure because the land is valuable for development. It’s so sad. I hope a solution can be found to save Badgers.”

Judy’s words have lifted spirits at Badgers, with club secretary Mary Herbert saying her input has been invaluable as the September 3 eviction date draws nearer.

“It means so much to have Judy’s support, someone who has done so much for grassroots tennis,” said Mary.

Judy appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing (Image: PA)

“It’s really wonderful of her, it’s really uplifting.

“And the response to our petition is fantastic, it shows just how important the club is to everyone.”

The Argus understands the Chotais have indicated they wish to speak with Badgers.

“It’s too early to say whether this will lead to us remaining on this site but it’s a start,” said club chairwoman Liz Foster

The brothers own national pharmacy chain Kamsons and bought the tennis club grounds roughly a decade ago with intentions of redeveloping the space.

Judy is a keen supporter of grassroots tennis clubs (Image: PA)

READ MORE: Tennis club faces eviction to make way for 'luxury homes' in Brighton

The multimillionaires attempted to evict Badgers from the courts in 2018 but backed down after a huge amount of public support.

But just five years on, they are trying again.

It means some 200 members would be without a club, while children from Whitehawk who can use the courts free would no longer have a place to play tennis.

The Argus contacted Bharat Chotai and his solicitor. Both declined to comment.