Sports facilities in a Kent park are undergoing a major facelift councillors hope will discourage anti-social behaviour.

Eight tennis courts are being refurbished at the Memorial Park in Herne Bay, with work already underway and expected to be finished within the next six weeks.

Two multi-use games areas (MUGAs) – used predominantly for football and basketball – are also being given a makeover, which Canterbury City Council hopes will be complete by the end of July.

Cllr Dan Watkins, who represents the nearby Herne Bay East ward, is optimistic the improvements will help deter troublemakers.

He said: “Historically in Memorial Park there has been a problem with anti-social behaviour, and we think by laying on better facilities, whether it be tennis, pickleball, football or basketball, and modernising what we’re doing, it will give younger people more options to enjoy themselves.”

Last year a £74,000 contract to transform the rundown and moss-covered tennis courts at the Spenser Road site was put out to tender, with the work beginning in February.

Three of the courts have already been resurfaced, but not painted.

Fresh line markings will be laid over the coming weeks once the asphalt has had time to settle, and the public will then be able to pick up their rackets and play.

Meanwhile, CCC is now looking for a private firm to complete the transformation of the two MUGAs, with one already resurfaced for basketball.

A spokesman for the authority said: "These courts will be focused predominantly on football and basketball and the plan is to get the work done by the end of July so they can be enjoyed during the summer holidays.”

The football surface will be artificial turf, and the surface for basketball will be made of asphalt, with Herne Bay Basketball club involved in the design.

The fencing will also be upgraded to reduce noise.

Cllr Watkins added: “We need more sports facilities available for everyone to enjoy themselves and stay active.

“Over the years, the tennis courts have become very run-down – some of them are covered in moss and very slippery, the nets have deteriorated so they kind of sag.

“In addition to being marked up for tennis they’re also going to be marked up for pickleball.”

Pickleball is similar to tennis, but played on a smaller court, with a shorter net and a lighter, plastic ball.