EARLY discussions have taken place to explore the possibility of building indoor tennis courts in Petersfield, it has been revealed. East Hampshire District Council is looking at ways of improving provisions for the sport as part of its drive to turn Penns Place into a centre of sporting excellence. That could mean a new tennis complex attached to the Taro Leisure Centre. And it could also see the existing outdoor courts at EHDC's headquarters resurfaced. News of the discussions was revealed at a meeting of Petersfield Town Council's grounds committee last Thursday. Town clerk Neil Hitch told members: "There is a possibility that we are going to be approached to allow EHDC to have some land at Penns Place to build indoor tennis courts, built on the side of the Taro Leisure Centre. "I have heard no more, but I think it is going to be a long-term thing." Hilary Ayer added: "They have approached the Lawn Tennis Association because one of the things they want to do is to resurface the Penns Place courts." The town council has its own plans to boost facilities for the sport. Last year, members earmarked more than £20,000 to resurface the courts at the Avenue playing fields. But Mary Vincent hoped any future developments at Penns Place would not hinder the success of the town council-owned courts. She said: "I would hate to see the tennis courts moved from where they are. "If we moved it from there to be run by Taro, people won't go all the way out to play tennis. "They want to play in the centre of town."