THE future of Weston Tennis Club now looks brighter after North Somerset councillors voted unanimously to approve its plans for a £100,000 upgrade

THE future of Weston Tennis Club now looks brighter after North Somerset councillors voted unanimously to approve its plans for a £100,000 upgrade.A 30-strong crowd gathered outside Weston Town Hall to show their support before the decision was taken.The crowd of tennis players from the club in Neva Road and nearby residents had placards and chanted 'Weston, Weston can you say, how many tennis clubs close today'.Previously, the council's planning officers had recommended refusing the project because of differences with Weston Tennis Club over the impact of floodlights. Earlier this year the authority issued the club with an abatement notice after complaints from one neighbour. Council officers restricted the club to just one hour of floodlit play per week.Membership dwindled due to uncertainty surrounding the club's future not helped by a failed appeal against the officers' decision.However, at a west area committee meeting councillors approved the plans for new floodlights and tennis courts, which will be paid for using cash from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).At the meeting central ward councillor Keith Morris said: "I propose we approve this application. "I have had letters of support from people in Graham Road who are listed as being most affected. "I believe this club provides an excellent facility in Weston. It is good for the town and for the young people of the town."Whoops of delight and clapping from the public gallery followed the decision. Speaking after the meeting, club chairman Trevor Carter said: "We are very pleased with the result. I would like to express my thanks to councillors who used their common sense. "I would also like to thank the club's neighbours who have lent us their support throughout and also John Penrose and the Weston & Somerset Mercury for its coverage."We are now awaiting final confirmation from LTA on when we can proceed."John Penrose, MP for Weston, said: "This is great news for the club and great news for sport in Weston. "It is fantastic that in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, Weston will have its own first class tennis facility in the heart of the town.