Plans for a £50,000 upgrade at a popular public park in the conservation village of Kilbarchan have finally been given the go-ahead after work was halted by Covid.

Renfrewshire Council had approved the funding last August but tendering for the project was put on hold due to lockdown restrictions.

The work on the park includes the installation of outdoor gym equipment, an upgraded children’s play area, including zip wire, new benches for older visitors and picnic tables for families.

Council procurement officers will now officially tender for the lucrative contract in May – a process which is expected to take two months.

It is hoped work can be completed later this year, once a firm has been appointed.

Additional funding of £500 for two park benches has been provided by the makers of hit TV drama series Deadwater Fell, which starred David Tennant.

Production company Kudos donated the money after the village was used for three weeks in 2019 to film scenes with the Paisley actor.

Bosses at local paper mill Smith & McLaurin have donated £2,000 to the cost of the park improvements.

Building firm McTaggart, which recently completed a social housing development in the village, is also supporting the project by paying for two benches, which will be unveiled on Monday.

The main funding has come from Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund following an application by Kilbarchan Community Council.

Helen Kissell, community council secretary, said: “We’re delighted that work will finally go ahead this summer, once the tendering process is completed.

“Understandably, everything has been put on hold because of Covid.

“All the improvements are being done in consultation with the local community and the support from local businesses has been tremendous.

“Hopefully, the changes that will be made to the park will suit all age groups and encourage greater use.

“The more the park is used, the more it will attract future investment.”

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said it is great news for the village that the improvement work will finally go ahead.

He added: “The park has so much potential and I’m glad that is finally being realised.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman confirmed the park contract would go out to tender next month.

He said: “The aim is to complete the works this autumn.”