TENNIS fans will have the chance to play on revamped courts in time for the start of Wimbledon and the school holidays.

The pitches at Prospect Park and Cintra Park have been given a much-needed facelift thanks to an investment of £128,000.

Both projects are part of Reading Borough Council's £786,000 programme to revitalise leisure facilities.

Councillor Sarah Hacker, lead member for recreation, said: “Where we live, and the quality of our immediate environment has a huge impact on our quality of life and wellbeing.

"I am delighted the improvements at Prospect and Cintra Parks are finished and ready for residents of all ages to enjoy.

“This level of investment shows we are committed to keeping the town clean, safe, green and active.

"This work is part of a larger investment across Reading’s parks, running from now until 2020. I am thrilled we are in a position to deliver such an extensive plan of improvements across Reading’s green spaces.”

Facilities at Cintra Park in south Reading had become tired and the council agreed to spend £58,000 on refurbishing the multi-use games area.

As well as a new surface, new perimeter fencing has been installed and the floodlighting inspected.

The pitches at Prospect Park originally opened in 2007 and the sports surfaces had reached the end of their life.

At both sites, the refurbishment started in mid-May and completed earlier than expected.

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, lead member for sport, added: “As a council, we are committed to delivering improved sport and leisure facilities in order to support Reading people doing more sport and exercise.

"Whilst this is tough due to the massive Government cuts to our council’s funding, I am pleased to see these improvements delivered in these well used parks.

"We want residents of all ages to benefit from using our sports facilities and I hope this will encourage many more to do so.”