10 COMMUNITY Rec area campaigners in plans for the future
New group formed
Plans to breathe new life into Westwoodhill Recreation Area have taken a step forward.
Following a meeting last week, residents and other interested parties have decided to set up a ‘Friends of ’ group which will allow them to apply for grants to develop the area for community use.
Protesters were up in arms when proposals were mooted for a council nursery on the open space as part of new legislation from the Scottish Government to expand early learning childcare.
And they urged South Lanarkshire Council chiefs to redevelop the ash pitches and park rather than replacing it with a nursery and car park.
The campaigners were supported by former East Kilbride councillor, and Tory Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson.
He told the News: “It was agreed that a Friends of Westwoodhill Recreation Area group will be formed with a further meeting where all of those wanting to be involved can agree a constitution and alike. South Lanarkshire Council have been informed and they are keen to work with any group which is set up.
“I believe it is an extremely positive way forward and there is definitely a feeling that a lot can be done with the park and this group will be able to apply for funding the council can’t.
“There is a real opportunity to improve the recreation area and make better use of it than there is currently is.”
Lynn Sherry, the council’s head of education, said: “There is a financial difference between our proposals and the recent final funding settlement from the Scottish Government and we are now working to understand the assumptions on the funding level provided for nursery accommodation, while also looking at a series of options to bridge the gap.”