St Albans City and District Council (SACDC) has announced that work has now started on the first phase of a scheme to rebuild the fire-damaged Batchwood Golf and Tennis Centre.

A blaze during the early hours of 10 August "destroyed most of the building" at the venue, with the golf course reopening within a week of the incident. SACDC is now seeking to name a project management and design team for the rebuild, with a preferred supplier due to be announced in November.

Interim arrangements will see a tennis 'airhall' provided at the site and work on the centre's bowls green this winter. Gym users are currently being accommodated at other council sites.