Kids helping to renew Glen Esk

Greenspace nears completion

NICOLA FINDLAY

A new £1m greenspace in East Kilbride is nearing completion.

Funded via the Scottish Government Vacant Derelict Land Fund, the 7.6 hectare site is based at a historic landfill at Glen Esk and now incorporates native planting and habitat creation, footpaths, boundary treatments, artwork, an outdoor classroom, a junior mountain bike track and a car park.

Pupils from the nearby St Leonard’s Primary School recently had a sneak preview of the site and were able to plant some bulbs which will flower in time for next summer.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor John Anderson, said: “This development will have a positive impact on the local area and will create a space for the whole community to enjoy.

“It creates a positive link between residential estates with the increase of core paths and greenspace networks in this location.

“I am sure it will encourage more people to walk and cycle to here to enjoy the impressive outdoor space that has been created.

“It is an amazing transformation and I was delighted to see how much the children enjoyed being in the park – no doubt they will return many times with their friends and family.”

St Leonard’s head teacher, Lorraine Mullen, said: “The children who visited the park had a fantastic time and really enjoyed taking part in the bulb planting.

“It helps give them a real sense of ownership of the park, they will be able to come back here and point out the area that they helped develop.”

Stuart Robertson, Project Manager for Covanburn Contracts Ltd, who are carrying out the work on behalf of the council, said: “Covanburn were delighted to welcome the local children from St Leonard’s Primary School on a recent bulb planting day and for being a part of creating this fantastic asset which the whole community will benefit from.

“Well done to all the children who were great ambassadors for their school.”

Some areas of the park require further attention but all works are expected to be completed in full by the end of the year.