REFURBISHMENT work is underway at Renfrewshire tennis courts following a £320,000 investment.
We previously reported that seven courts based in Brodie Park in Paisley will be cleaned and repainted, with repairs being made to the surface, new nets being put in place, and a new access gate being added following the six-figure sum from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
Sites at Robertson Park in Renfrew and Park Road in Johnstone will also be repaired as part of the money pot.
Councillor Michelle Campbell, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board, recently visited the Brodie Park courts to see the work getting underway.
She said: "I’m delighted that our tennis courts are receiving such a significant investment and, with the Brodie Park courts already extremely well used, these enhancements will make a big difference to local players.
"Works will begin soon to bring Robertson Park and Park Road into use, and these will become fantastic facilities for anyone in Renfrewshire who wants to play tennis. I’m looking forward to seeing works get underway later this month."
As part of the investment, Renfrewshire Council and OneRen will work with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to deliver a range of activities including free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided and local tennis leagues will also provide friendly, sociable opportunities to get active.
It has also been proposed that free tennis would be provided by OneRen between specified times, and free coaching will be given to local school children through the Active Schools programme.
Councillor Lisa Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen, said: "It’s wonderful to see this investment starting to deliver for communities across Renfrewshire.
"With homemade stars like Andy Murray inspiring the next generation to get more fit and active on the courts, we now have facilities which can help them achieve their goals and even if you might not make it to Wimbledon, I’m sure people of all ages will enjoy brushing up on their backhand."
While Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, added: "We are delighted to be working with Renfrewshire to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.
"This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come.
"We will also be working closely with Renfrewshire Council and OneRen to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on the court, and open up our sport to many more people.”
Once the works are complete, courts will be available to book via the LTA website, and players will be able to buy adult and junior memberships using the free ClubSpark app.
For more information on sports and leisure activities in Renfrewshire, click HERE
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