More cash for walkway

EXTRA funding has been provided for improvements to a walkway between Netherlee and Stamperland due to rising costs.

An additional £28,000 was needed to cover the price of the project, which East Renfrewshire Council officials believe will improve footfall to local businesses and enhance “leisure opportunities for all.”

The request for more money was made due to “an increase in costs since the original estimates were provided,” a council report states.

A contingency sum of £12,000 and the £2,000 cost of clearing the site had been omitted originally.

The path has also been altered “in line with current government standards for a cycle path,” which has led to a £9,000 increase.

The money has been taken from an underspend in a funding award from the UK Government’s shared prosperity fund.

Cabinet members will be asked to ratify the decision, which has already been given verbal approval, at a meeting behind held tomorrow.

They originally approved the walkway project in August last year, using cash from the Scottish Government’s placebased investment programme.

However, the council’s neighbourhood services department sought an extra £28,000 to make up a shortfall in the budget.

The report by officials states: “There are no funds in the place-based investment programme to accommodate this request. However, the value of the project to the community has been recognised, so support has been identified from the underspend monies available.”

It adds: “This project will provide a welcome additional pathway in East Renfrewshire.”