A FUNFAIR operator wants to open rides on top of disused tennis courts in a top park.

Raymond Codona plans to run children's amusements in Barshaw Park, Paisley, for nine months of the year.

The privately owned attraction could operate seven days a week, from 10am to 8pm, between April and December.

The blaize site earmarked for the funfair was formerly used as tennis courts but has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Residents living in homes facing the park have vowed to oppose Codona's bid for a public entertainment licence.

Hotel manager Tom Semple, 39, who lives near the park, said: "I wouldn't be happy about it. It would ruin my view of the park.

"I didn't buy a house to look over a funfair. I would do door-to-door to get a petition against it."

Engineer Douglas McInnes, 64, of Inchinnan, comes to the park with his grandson. He said: "I think it could bring the wrong kind of people into the park."

Jim Chapman, 79, who lives opposite the park, said: "It's high time the council were taking the residents into consideration and not going behind their back."

Teacher Susan Steel, 49, said: "We don't know anything about this and wouldn't be happy about it.

"It would attract a lot of young people into the area who wouldn't respect it."

But Doris Milne, owner of the Rowantree Cafe, which operates from a nearby pavilion, said: "There should be more things in the park for kids to do to keep them off the streets.

"Barshaw is a lovely park but needs more activities. The funfair will bring more people here and that can only be a good thing."

Barshaw Park is spread over 55 acres and once housed four tennis courts and two bowling greens.

It's understood the funfair would feature three small rides.

Renfrewshire councillor Susan McDonald, who represents Paisley East and Ralston, said: "We are striving to make improvements to the park and we will listen to public opinion. There is a lot of positive work going on to improve Barshaw Park and we want the public and local community councils on-board."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: "The public have until April 11 to make representations to the council."

Mr Codona was not available for comment.