Revamps ofparks hailed

Moves to improve parks have been further welcomed.

SNP duo Emma Rodden and Graeme Stockton have backed Renfrewshire Council’s decision to channel investment into parks as part of a £1.25million package.

Councillor Rodden, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, says the cash for sites in her ward is welcome.

Three parks Sandyflats, Ellerslie Street and Lochwinnoch will all see investment from the package.

It also comes in the wake of completed works which have seen upgrades to Howwood public park and upcoming efforts at Kilbarchan.

Funding is being poured in from Renfrewshire Council’s Parks and Green Space Fund and Village Improvement Fund, backed by Scottish Government provision.

Election hopeful Graeme, who is standing in the ward at May’s election, said: “As a villager and a parent myself, I understand the importance of local facilities for children.

“The planned works in Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Johnstone will provide much-needed improvements to the play parks our children already love and use well.

“The communities involved have been engaged in the process and consulted with, we are all excited to see the end results now.”

Councillor Rodden added “Over the past two years, our children have done us proud, in the most difficult of circumstances.

“It is time to reward them for their resilience and give them the chance to have fun again.

“As a mother to two young children, I appreciate how much of an asset a local playpark can be.

“It is especially important at a time when the cost of living is increasing, that there are free-to-use facilities, accessible to all who live nearby.”