Newent Community School and the general public look set to benefit from four new tennis courts set to open by this summer.

Forest of Dean District Council is being asked to renew planning permission for the courts, together with lighting, a scheme costed at £85,000.

Headteacher Delia Paveling said: "Sadly permission lapsed so we have put in a submission for a six-month extension to the Forest of Dean District Council.

"Assuming our new art block is completed on schedule in mid-March, and so far it is on course, we would like to start as soon as possible after this.

"Our consultants are aware of the need to co-ordinate the completion of one job with the beginning of another. This will, of course, involve different contractors.

"We hope the facility will be open for the summer."

Mrs Paveling confirmed that the courts will be completed to lawn tennis standards and will be available for public use.

She said of their design: "The benefits are that the playing season will be greatly extended and it will be possible to play at night time."

The school already has two existing courts, and these will remain unlit.

Mrs Paveling did not believe that the four new courts with lighting would create nuisance for neighbours close to the school, off Watery Lane.

She said: "There will be no major glare from the lights because they will be low and will be focused down."

The new courts have been earmarked as a Newent Initiative scheme, and are likely to receive some funding through that source.