Walkers and tennis fans in Cockermouth can enjoy the result of a £40,000 investment to one of the towns popular parks.

Harris Park, owned by Allerdale council, has had resurfacing carried out on the two tennis courts and a badly eroded path along the river Cocker.

The upgrades are part of the council’s commitment to provide good leisure facilities across the borough for residents and visitors of all ages.

Work to the tennis courts was needed after the previous tarmac flooring had worn away and become damaged over time. New nets have also been installed at the courts.

Part of the project was to reinstate the path along the river Cocker which had been damaged by erosion. A new tarmac path has been constructed, which is set well back from the river and follows a gently curved route.

Allerdale Councillor George Kemp, executive member with responsibility for environmental quality, said: “Parks and open spaces are vital parts of our communities and it’s important they are in the best condition possible. This is why we have moved to upgrade the tennis courts and the path in Harris Park and we are really pleased with the results. We hope everyone will enjoy using them.

“We will continually look to improve our own leisure facilities and support other organisations to offer improved facilities through grants where possible.”

A total of £27,000 was spent on the court renovations and a further £13,000 on the river path.

The council will be monitoring the use of the court area, which should only be used for tennis-related activities.

The main entrance to the park is off Fern Bank, Cockermouth.

Both the tennis courts and the resurfaced path are now open for the public to use.