A charity has been left “shocked and disappointed” by a town council’s controversial decision to pull out of plans to turn a derelict tennis court into a thriving community space.

Plans to redevelop a rundown section of Cromer’s North Lodge Park were scrapped last month after Cromer Town Council, which submitted the plans with The Friends of North Lodge Park and Cromer Community/Men’s Shed, pulled out over costs.

The scheme had been given the green light by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) in September last year and would have seen the abandoned tennis courts and a 1950s bandstand demolished to create a multi-use space for pop-up markets, events, and new public toilets.

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The plans had been three years in the making, but the town council said it was “unable to commit to the costs involved” in the project.

The Friends of North Lodge Park was “shocked” by the decision, which it says came “without any indication”.

North Norfolk News: An artists' impression of what the revamped tennis court area of North Lodge Park in Cromer could have looked likeAn artists' impression of what the revamped tennis court area of North Lodge Park in Cromer could have looked like (Image: Friends of North Lodge Park)

Jim Bond, co-chair of the charity, said: “The decision by the town council is very disappointing.

“It will mean the exciting community project will no longer happen and the hardstanding area will continue to remain unused and an eyesore until the district council can relet it.

“Despite this setback, we are continuing to focus on the year ahead. Since the end of the summer our volunteer team has been hard at work on the gardens to prepare the lovely park for the influx of visitors.

North Norfolk News: The derelict tennis courts at North Lodge Park in CromerThe derelict tennis courts at North Lodge Park in Cromer (Image: ALLY McGILVRAY)

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“We have also organised a reduced programme of events to include an outdoor concert by the Walker Brothers on June 8, the popular sunflower competition on May 11, and children’s events during the summer.

“Sadly, due to the lack of toilets in the park and the lack of access to electricity we are not at this stage able to put on the popular outdoor theatre events.”

To join or support The Friends of North Lodge Park, contact gardening@northlodgepark.org.uk