REPAIR work at a North Oxford tennis club could put the courts out of action during their busiest time of year, the Wimbledon championships.

Oxford City Council is planning repairs costing £50,000 on six hard courts at Alexandra Park, in Middle Way, Summertown.

The work is expected to start in June and take about six weeks, raising the prospect that it could clash with the courts’ busiest period of the year.

Wimbledon this year takes place from June 29 to July 12.

Norham Gardens Lawn and Tennis Club treasurer Virginia Tite said the club was still supportive.

She said: “We are very pleased because the courts have needed repairs for quite a while.

“They have been well-used and some parts also require repainting.

“It will be a nuisance while the repairs take place, but it will be wonderful when it is done.”

Alexandra Park is leased by the Norham Gardens club and has six hard courts and 14 grass courts.

The city council estimates the courts attract about 2,000 people each summer, roughly half of whom are club members.

The club has a lease agreement with the council, which means court space is guaranteed on match days and members get free use.

The council said it would resurface two of the hard courts and carry out deep-cleaning and repainting next month. It will also re-mark the other four and replace the fencing.

The city council is also set to consult on what improvements or changes could be made.

Council spokesman Tom Jennings said: “No date has yet been set for the consultation, but when it is it will be advertised on the council’s website.”

City councillor for Summertown Andrew Gant said this would include whether all 14 grass courts were needed, as well as more unusual proposals like whether “artificial owls” could be used to deter pigeons.

Mr Gant said: “Some of the courts have low-hanging branches over them and the pigeons cause a bit of a nuisance.

“Apparently, artificial owls will keep them away like a scarecrow, so that is a suggestion that has been put forward.

“What we are keen to do is maximise the space, because there are parts of the park that are not being used efficiently.

“Discussion about how to use that space is ongoing, but it could even just become open park space, which is something we don’t really have in Summertown at the moment.

I’m very happy the equipment at Alexandra Park is being kept in good condition, although I am keen for the work to be carried out in a way that will have a minimal effect on the public.

“It should be done so that not all courts are being repaired at the same time, so some can remain open.”

The courts are open from noon to 8.30pm at weekends and school holidays. During term-time, they are open from 2pm to 8.30pm.