THE future of a Grange-over-Sands tennis club is under threat after a controlled explosion went wrong and ruined its courts.

Blasting is taking place as part of a £5m United Utilities project to build an underground wastewater tank under the Memorial Playing Fields.

But one blast left rock rubble and dust scattered across all three courts at North Lonsdale Lawn Tennis Club, causing more than 20 puncture holes and thousands of pounds worth of damage. The club now faces missing the whole summer tennis season.

Vice chairman Tom Fraser said the courts were ‘wrecked’ and the cost, including VAT, would be around £40,000.

The club would have to close unless United Utilities stumped up the money for repairs.

“The club will fold if United Utilities cannot resurface the courts,” he said. “We are in the process of organising a meeting with them and hopefully they will respond positively.”

The courts are closed and are due to be assessed on Monday.

A United Utilities spokesman could not say whether the company would pay for the damage caused.

“We're very sorry about this issue and are working closely with the tennis club to agree how best to put things right,” said the spokesman.

“We’ll do everything we can to help the club and are in discussions with the committee.”