WORK has began to build tennis courts within a much-loved greenspace in Rouken Glen Park.

The £80,000 investment from the East Renfrewshire Council will deliver two public courts to further enhance the park and offer opportunities for residents to get involved in sport.

It is expected that the new courts, which are being built next to the skate park, will be

completed by the summer.

Council Leader Tony Buchanan said: "I’m delighted to see work now under way to

build these additional facilities in Rouken Glen. We already have tennis courts in

Cowan Park in Barrhead and so it’s fantastic that we can now offer residents across

the area the opportunity to access public tennis courts. And who knows it might just

help us unearth the next Andy Murray."

Councillor Alan Lafferty, Convener for Environment, added: “Rouken Glen is already

the jewel in East Renfrewshire’s crown and people flock from far and wide to enjoy

our fantastic park. This was highlighted when we were crowned as UKs best park,

with so many people holding such a close affinity with Rouken Glen. So creating two

tennis courts will be a fabulous addition and builds on the recent £3m investment to

create a new playpark, refurbish the visitor centre and redevelop the walled garden.

I’m looking forward to seeing the courts up and running in the summer, and hopefully

we get a bit of sunshine so that our residents can take full advantage of this new

facility.”

The investment is being made by the council to replace the two courts which

previously existed in Stamperland, prior to the land being sold by the owners for

development.