NEILSTON residents will benefit from further improvements to the village's leisure centre as part of a �350,000 refurbishment project. As highlighted in last week's Barrhead News, the originally proposed work has come in under budget, allowing additional modifications to now take place, including work on the changing rooms and spectators' area.

However, the developments now means residents won't gain access to the site until early September, weeks later than originally planned.

Convener for community services and community safety, Councillor Mary Montague, said: "It is great news that additional funds are available to fund further works in the centre.

"I appreciate this means a slight delay in opening but it will be worth it to deliver even better facilities for the people of Neilston.

"I'd like to thank customers for their patience.

"I'm sure they'll really enjoy their new, improved centre." With a host of clubs set to benefit from the refurbishment, Bill Mackay, chairperson of Ren 96 Swimming Club, which uses the centre, said: "It is excellent for the local community and it really is a valuable resource for us, so we can't wait to go back there.

"Neilston has always had a very rich vein of top class swimmers and following the closure we have not had as many new members from the area in addition to our current pool.

"However, I am sure that will change once the centre re-opens.

"The new centre will hopefully benefit all the clubs and allow more local residents to keep fit and active." The centre closed in autumn last year as a precautionary measure due to concerns over some of the swimming pool cleaning systems.

Following the closure, investment into the work, which began early this year and has been on schedule throughout, has allowed for roof repairs, new lighting and ceiling in the pool area, replacement main doors and refurbished stairs and ramp.