Charity windfall ‘is creating real opportunities’
A councillor has welcomed a major cash windfall for a disabilities charity which will help it to take over a disused Linwood building, writes Steph Brawn Local Democracy Reporter.
Values Into Action ( VIA) Scotland - which supports those with learning difficulties and autism to achieve their dreams - has been handed £9,625 by Renfrewshire Council to allow staff to draw up a business case for a new headquarters at the old Morton Nursery site in Mill Place.
The cash boost will come from the council’s Community Empowerment Fund, which aims to help local organisations to take over community assets.
Councillor Audrey Doig, who represents the area alongside Houston and Crosslee, said she believes all members of the community will be delighted at the prospect of the charity - currently based in Hillington - breathing new life into a derelict building.
“I am delighted the Community Empowerment Fund is creating real opportunities to transform derelict sites, like the former Morton Nursery site in
Mill Place into an autism support centre, which will be the national base for VIA Scotland.
“VIA Scotland wants to use the fund to develop a business case to go forward with an asset transfer request of the site, and I can see exactly why they chose Linwood.
“The village has outstanding communication links to Glasgow and, indeed, within 45 minutes on a quiet day, you can reach Perthshire and most places in the central belt.
“VIA Scotland already has a presence in Renfrewshire and has developed strong partnerships within their sector.
“If the people of Linwood believe in anything they believe in the value of community and partnerships, and I know I can speak for all my constituents when I say they will be overjoyed at having a leading autism charity in their midst with a derelict site brought back to life.”