TENNIS players have backed a controversial supermarket development.

Tesco has asked Kirklees Council for planning permission to build a 23,000sq ft store at the former Midlothian Garage site on New Mill Road in Holmfirth.

The plan has divided opinion in the town with rival groups set up to oppose and support the proposal.

And now Holmfirth Parish Church Tennis Club, which is based next to the development site, has backed Tesco.

Chairman Keith Womersley said yesterday: “Something has to be done with the old site. It certainly does not add to the attractiveness of Holmfirth as a town and we need some progress sooner rather than later to tidy the area up.

“We are looking forward to a new superstore coming to the old Midlothian site, and we hope to be able to offer shoppers a shop-and-play opportunity.

“The proposed landscaping, new roads, patios and tree-lined areas will be a blessing to the club after the last few years of disruption since the Midlothian closed.”

Holmfirth Parish Church Tennis Club moved to its present location at Berry Banks off New Mill Road in 1993, 10 years before the Midlothian Garage closed.

The club was formed in 1933 as the Girls Friendly Society. It was re-formed in the early 1970s by a group of parish church members who thought it would be good to play tennis and allow their children to learn the game.

Holmfirth Parish Church Tennis Club competes in the Huddersfield and District Tennis League.

The club is the latest Holmfirth organisation to get involved in the Tesco debate.

Two rival groups have been formed to campaign for and against the proposed supermarket development.