A community-based sports organisation is poised to take on the lease to an unused facility in Johnstone, after Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure backed the proposals.

It is expected that West Johnstone Sport and Fitness For Everyone will manage McMaster Sports Centre as part of a deal running until 2053 with a nominal rent of £1 per year. The group was created in 2010 and includes representatives from Thorn Athletic Amateur Football Club; Johnstone Burgh Boys Club U21s; and Club Lee Taekwondo.

It is also thought that the organisation will apply for grant funding through sportscotland's Proceeds of Crime scheme to renovate the building and its grass pitch. Eileen McCartin, convener of the council's community and family care policy board, said: "This arrangement will bring several important benefits for the people of Johnstone and the surrounding area."