The town’s community sports hub is in line for the boost after locals raised concerns about a lack of spaces which they say is causing havoc for road-users.

The bustling £6.3m centre has seen a soar in visitors following its opening in July last year – but locals complained about a struggle to park their cars outside the facility.

A planning application has been submitted by Renfrewshire Council to create 51 new spaces, in addition to the 54 that are already there.

Councillor Iain McMillan, who represents the Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood areas, welcomed the new infrastructure, which he says will help to ease the misery of parking outside the hub.

He said: “Anybody that uses the sports facilities at the hub knows the parking can be quite chaotic at times.

“With the popularity of classes held at the hub, as well as the success of the football pitch, the current parking spaces can be quickly used up.

“This can lead to some anger and frustration among users and can be difficult for staff to manage.

“I have lobbied Renfrewshire Leisure and they have agreed to put in another 51 parking places, which will help ease the situation.

“I am sure this will go down well with the sports centre-users.” As well as the new spaces, outdoor lighting and new tarmac will also be invested into renovating the popular facility.

The announcement comes just weeks after The Gazette reported a running battle led by motorists who felt Johnstone was becoming a “danger zone” because of its parking issues.

Local dad Fraser Andrew, 38, told how the problem has become so bad that residents are unable to park near their homes and revealed they have even suffered car wing mirrors being ripped off by passing traffic.

Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The Johnstone Sports Hub has become so popular since it opened almost two years ago, we need to provide extra car parking space to meet the demand from the public at peak times.

“As well as increasing the car parking space, the lighting will also be upgraded and improvements made to walkways.

“Our aim, as always, is to provide the best sports and leisure facilities for the people of Renfrewshire and in this instance, specifically the people who use the Johnstone Sports Hub.” Work will get under way during the school summer holidays and is predicted for completion by August 2014.

Councillor McMillan continued: “As a user of the pool and gym I know how crazy it can get at times.

“I am glad that Renfrewshire Leisure have listened to the concerns by constituents, myself and staff at the centre.

“This investment will make things a lot better for everybody who uses the centre.”