A DILAPIDATED school entrance in Johnstone could be set for a new lease of life as councillors prepare to vote on whether to approve a £250,000 revamp.

Elected members will decide on Wednesday afternoon on whether to award a contract to John McGeady Ltd to carry out the works at St Anthony’s Primary.

The entrance to the Spateston school is currently overgrown with brambles while the road surface has broken up in several places.

If a contract is awarded, the car park will be reconstructed and realigned and the area would be resurfaced.

New road lining would also be applied, fresh lighting would be installed and a lay-by created for pick-ups and drop-offs.

Councillor Andy Steel, who represents Johnstone South, said he hoped the long-needed investment would be given the green light.

He said: “It’s been a long haul to get this one over the line. We first approached officers about this more than two years ago, but with lockdown everything was put on hold and timetables went up in smoke. 

“Now though, if final approval is given, work can begin and it will transform the entrance to St Anthony’s, which has been in a poor condition for too long.

“After the demolition of St Cuthbert’s High, the erection of the houses on Scholar’s Green, and the years of work to refurbish the school inside and out – which was very welcome after years of delay – the entrance to the school off Hallhill Road is the final piece needing to be done. 

“It doesn’t send out the message we want to give about how we value schools, pupils and staff.”

Lewis Nesbitt, of Spateston Tenants and Residents Association, said congestion had long been an issue outside the school and he hoped the makeover would go some way to relieving that.

He added: “We’re pleased Renfrewshire Council has kept to its word and will hopefully be giving St Anthony’s an entrance reflective of the investment inside the school. 

“This redesign will be crucial in managing the congestion we have seen on Hallhill Road, which we know is a great concern within our community.”

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, who also represents Johnstone South, said:

“I hope a more practical design of the entrance will allow parents using cars to come in off Hallhill Road, drop off or pick up safely, and then make their way home. 

“With Hallhill Road being resurfaced in April, this will also give that road surface a bit more longevity.

“It’s also important that new lighting be installed, for the safety of everyone using the area. I very much hope this is approved.”