A COUNCIL may take action to improve the appearance of a privately-owned tennis court that has not been used for about 40 years.

It is not known who owns the former court, in Knoll Avenue, off Coniscliffe Road.

During that time, it became gradually more overgrown and unkempt and now is covered with shrubs and bushes.

However, it has been picked out as one of a handful of sites in a Neglected Land review that was carried out for the Environment Scrutiny Committee.

At a meeting yesterday, Councillor Jim Ruck, who represents the Park West ward, said: "It is amazing that this piece of land has been allowed to get to that state."

Councillors suggested that the council carry out some work to improve the look of the land - and perhaps that would uncover its owner. This suggestion will go to cabinet for approval.

Coun Ruck said that four people had once owned the court, but they were all now dead and that a search for its current owners had been carried out.

"A local builder tried to buy it in the 1980s but could not find its owner," he said.

The Neglected Land review has taken a year to produce. Sites include: Southend Avenue/Harewood Terrace - small area that was formerly the site of a telephone box; Haughton Road, near St Andrew's Church - unmaintained grassland; Welbeck Avenue - council garages and open space; Upper Russell Street - small parcel of council-owned land; and Parkin Ness shop, Mowden Terrace.