Future of park is discussed

George Street consultation under way

Residents in Motherwell’s North Lodge area attended a public meeting on Monday night to discuss plans that would see a popular public park transformed.

The meeting – organised by Friends of George Street Park Motherwell and South East and Ravenscraig councillor Agnes Magowan – welcomed everyone to Motherwell South Church to look at recommendations on how the park could be renovated.

People were given the opportunity to see designs from other parks from around North Lanarkshire that have been given a successful face-lift.

This gave them the chance to cherry pick, from the designs, the various play equipment and ideas that they would like to see in their park.

They were also given the opportunity to discuss any concerns they have with the new proposals.

This is the first stage of the consultation process for George Street Park and it is hoped that these proposals will be put forward to North Lanarkshire Council to be considered by Participatory Budgeting.

Participatory budgeting (PB) is recognised internationally as a way for people to have a direct say in how local money is spent. It allows communities to vote on what specific projects they would like developed within an area.

The evening also gave residents the opportunity to ask questions about costing and timescales for the project, and how they could get further involved.

Councillor Magowan organised the meeting in a bid to allow the community to put forward their views – and dozens of people turned up on the night.

She said: “I was delighted that around 50 people attended and lots of great ideas were expressed.

“The meeting was extremely positive. The only concern voiced was the dog management but Ross Dunn, the play officer for North Lanarkshire Council, explained how that would be managed.

“Thanks to Ross Dunn, Peter Mcnally and Mandy Cowan for coming from the council to give their expert opinion and to our volunteer architect, Jon Wilson, who lives overlooking the park.

“It was a very exciting meeting with one of the children looking for a very high chute!

“Thanks also go to Motherwell South Church for allowing us to hold the meeting in the church and cafe.

“And thanks to the steering group for all their hard work and John Maddock for his IT support on the evening.”

The councillor added: “We would urge people to get involved in any way they can and show their support for the regeneration of the park.

“We want it to be a community facility planned by the community.”

A Friends of George Street Park Facebook page has been set up, and a questionnaire is also available for completion.

All houses around the George Street park have been visited to allow the people to voice their opinions on the future developments.