LISS Parish Council has taken steps to secure a written mandate for its maintenance of the Newman Collard tennis courts and playing fields. Following the establishment of the Newman Collard Trust in 1966, the parish council pays one-third of the major maintenance costs arising from the facility, but no written agreement exists as to the extent of the council's responsibilities. A service level agreement was proposed by vice- chairman Nigel Paren, which received almost unilateral support from fellow councillors and club chairman Rosamund Cock, who said: "We are happy to work with the parish council and want to maximise the use of tennis courts for the public and members of the club." Sue Halstead spoke of the benefits of Liss' current arrangement, describing them as "the envy of other communities". "Many other parish councils are burdened will the full maintenance costs of providing courts, which often fall into disrepair and are abandoned," she said, citing the example of Petersfield Tennis Club. "Our courts and founders arrangement are the envy of other communities, and I believe councillor Paren's proposal fits well with the way that has worked so well in Liss in the past," she said. Chairman Roger Mullenger concurred, adding: "I would hope we can move forward with the new management committee of Newman Collard, and see the service level agreement as a positive document and hope that it can be taken forward." Mr Paren shared his thoughts with the council, outlining issues that affect the service level agreement or stem from its provisions. They include the courts' availability to the public at reasonable times, that the one-third contribution was acceptable given "low" public usage, and that enough was being done to encourage public use of the courts. However, self-confessed "rebel" Howard Linsley spoke out, arguing that the full version of the service level agreement should be put before council, claiming the initial proposal was "pushed through without debate" two-and-a-half years ago. "As a result, the following morning, one member resigned from the council in protest," he said. To deep sighs around the room, Mr Linsley continued to outline his "two serious concerns". "The council should be seen to be acting in a prudent, responsible, professional and businesslike manner when spending money. At the moment, we do not have sufficient tennis information on the cost or what we are getting for our money." "In early 2005, following approaches from a number of villagers, I discovered that the council had no knowledge of public use of the courts that it funded," he said. Unbowed, Paddy Payne continued: "I am very happy go forward with the service level agreement and put forward a motion to do that." Gina Logan added: "I am totally in favour. I think we should keep the status quo that has served us so well for many years."