A significant transformation in the vicinity of Johnstone tennis courts has been described as “fantastic” as works begin to take shape.

More than £155,000 has been poured into the refurbishment of the Park Road courts, which have been rescued from a state of neglect.

The investment – a venture from the LTA Tennis Foundation and UK Government, delivered by the LTA – will bring the previously run-down facility back to a high standard for the benefit of the community.

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A report to Renfrewshire Council’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board on Wednesday said the courts are set to be painted “at the earliest opportunity” from around April or May this year.

Councillor Andy Steel, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, has been overjoyed by the change in the area – pointing also to the restoration of a collapsed wall and other works in Park Road.

He said: “The tennis courts, the improvement is remarkable and – I don’t wish to sound churlish – it’s long overdue but it looks fantastic, it really does, the fence and the surface.

“Whether by accident or design, we’re getting a new wall along the tennis courts because the old one collapsed. We got a really top notch bowling green because the old one got accidentally damaged.

“The whole area has had more work done in there in the last wee while than it’s had for decades. It’s looking fantastic.

“There’s always more to be done. I just wanted to get on the record that there’s still the old BMX track to be looked at.”

Prior to the refurbishment, elected members raised concerns about the general appearance of the area. However, they believe it has since been given a new lease of life.

The renovation at the courts is part of a wider investment in tennis in Renfrewshire, with £129,960 invested in Robertson Park in Renfrew and £18,090 in Brodie Park in Paisley.