The members of social tennis club, The Golden Oldies, have been enjoying getting back into Saltcoats’ Glebe Street courts as they have had a makeover.

The popular courts, built 11 years ago, had become tired and the women who go along to play every week contacted North Ayrshire Council to ask it they could help give them a makeover.

And it was agreed with Councillor Jim Montgomerie that £9,000 would be spent on the revamp.

On Saturday, friends Lettie, Winnie, Anne and Moira enjoyed picking up their racquets again to take to the courts.

Lettie McLaughlan said: “It’s a great to see these courts looking so good.

“We have been coming since they opened and we tidy up litter and look after the nets and it would be great to see more people come along and give tennis a go.

“The residents in the high flats keep an eye on them too and our players enjoy the social aspect too, once we have had a game we go for a cuppa and a catch up.”

And Councillor Jean McClung popped along to let the players know that The Glebe Courts will only be used for tennis.

Residents in the neighbouring high flats had complained about skateboards, cyclists and football teams using the courts.

Cllr McClung said: “I am pleased to say that following complaints I received from residents of the High Flats about the misuse of the courts by skateboarders, cyclists and football players, signs are to be put up notifying the public that these courts are to be used for tennis only.

“The signs will also include details of the nearest skateboarding and football facilities, so there should be no excuse for their misuse.

“The courts played a big part in my school days, they were so popular back then that we had to book a slot a week in advance.”