£ 385k agreed for running track plan

RUNNERS will soon benefit from a new running track at the On- X Sports Centre in Linwood.

A £ 385,000 contract for the project was approved by Renfrewshire Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board.

The work will start in June and is expected to be completed by late August.

The new running track surface will be up to the World Athletics accreditation standards.

This will also benefit runners in the Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club ( AAC) who are contributing £ 100,000 towards the project.

John Rodger, finance convener at Kilbarchan AAC, said: “Kilbarchan AAC is one of the leading athletics clubs in Scotland and the track at On- X is integral to the continued success of the club which is why we’re delighted to have secured the funding to bring the track up to World Athletics standard.

“This will allow us to host league meetings and championship events, and any records set on the track will be ratified by Scottish Athletics.

“We would like to express our thanks to Renfrewshire Council and OneRen who we have worked with for more than two years to make this a reality.”

As part of the works contract, the contractor will provide community benefits including support for a local community project, advice and support to a local organisation and an industry awareness event.

Councillor John Shaw, the board convener, said: “I was pleased to see this contract approved by councillors as it will make a real difference to the running experience at the On- X, with runners of all ages and abilities benefitting from the new surface, and I look forward to the works taking place over the summer during the optimal weather conditions.”