Villagers' joy after tennis ace moves in

By dblackmore

A tennis superstar who is bidding to become the first British Wimbledon champion since 1936 is moving to Oxshott – leaving villagers delighted.

Andy Murray is swapping his river-side apartment in London for a six-bedroom home in the village. The house, which has an indoor swimming pool complete with sauna and Jacuzzi, and a cinema, doesn't have a tennis court.

The tennis ace, who beat American Robby Kendrick at Wimbledon on Tuesday, will be welcomed with open arms by villagers.

Mina Salahshourian, from Reeds Florist, in the High Street, said: "I think it's a good thing he is coming here.

"It's a good place to live and everyone here is excited about him moving here.

"It is a small village community and everyone is friendly, so I think he will be very welcome."

Peter Cross, from Surrey Hills Butchers, said he thought the Scottish star would fit in well in the village, which also boasts Premiership football players.

He said: "I only found out he was moving to Oxshott on Tuesday morning when one of our drivers said they saw Andy Murray's mum walking past the shop.

"I think the villagers will be happy with him here and I think he will like our pretty, cosmopolitan village."

Village resident Cherie Felgate added: "Oxshott has an excellent community and it can only be a good thing to have people like him living here.

"I am looking forward to welcoming him and telling people I know that I live near him."

Murray will share his £5.45 million mansion, built by Cobham-based company Avicam Homes, with long-term girlfriend Kim Sears, 21.

Their new neighbours include England captain John Terry, and Chelsea's Didier Drogba.