TENNIS courts in a town park are to get a £50,000 upgrade.

But charges to play will be introduced.

The cash to refurbish the the three courts at Accrington's Oakhill Park on Manchester Road will come from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Hyndburn Council's cabinet has agreed to accept the cash.

The charge to play will be £5 and hour or £25 for an annual household pass.

Other recently refurbished council-owned tennis courts at Peel Park in Accrington and Lowerfold Park in Great Harwood will remain free.

A report by borough environment boss Steven Smithson tells senior colleagues: "There are three tennis court sites located within parks in Hyndburn.

"There are tennis courts in Oakhill Park and Peel Park in Accrington and Lowerfold Park in Great Harwood.

"Over the last few years the tennis courts at Peel Park and Lowerfold Park have received some investment.

"Oakhill Park is the largest tennis venue with three individual courts.

"Unfortunately the surface is uneven and line marking faded which makes for a poor tennis experience.

"The courts at Oakhill Park were surveyed by the LTA and categorised as poor.

"The offer is to invest £50,000 into the tennis courts at Oakhill Park which will lead to the surface being refurbished, the lines being re-painted and some of the fencing being replaced.

"As the LTA investment programme is designed to produce sustainable tennis courts a condition of the funding is that use of the courts at Oakhill Park will become a chargeable leisure activity with all income derived put into a sinking fund used to resurface the courts so they remain in good condition for the long term.

"The council must also ensure the courts are swept, kept clean and nets installed to facilitate tennis.

"The tennis courts at Oakhill Park will be booked via an online booking system which will provide a code to gain entry.

"The LTA will work with the council to offer coaching opportunities.

"The costs proposed by the LTA for use of the refurbished tennis courts at Oakhill Park are 'pay as you play' £5 per hour or £25 annual household pass."