Play park revamp approved
Families in Gallowhill will see a big improvement in recreational spaces this year as Renfrewshire Council pledges cash for two key projects.
Elected members of the council approved funding for a play park refurbishment and renewed sports pitch as part of the 2023/24 budget.
The move comes after councillors for Renfrew South and Gallowhill made the case for investment in the leisure facilities in recent weeks.
Councillor Neill Graham, Renfrewshire Conservative group leader, and MSP Russell Findlay, also launched a campaign last month over the state of the scheme’s torn-up Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).
But at a meeting of the full council on Thursday, the SNP administration allocated cash for the MUGA renewal and a £450,000 pot for play park refurbishments – a portion of which has been promised to Gallowhill.
The £450,000 will provide a second phase of the council’s hugely successful play parks refurbishment initiative, which is backed by a further £307,000 from the Scottish Government.
Yesterday, SNP councillors Jim Paterson and Cathy McEwan confirmed Gallowhill play park – located adjacent to Gallowhill Community Centre and the affected MUGA – would be included in this phase.
Councillor McEwan told the Express: “I am delighted that the play facilities off Netherhill Road will be the recipient of much needed funding.
“Play parks play a vital role within our communities.
“The residents of Gallowhill deserve a play park which is fit for all purposes, and I am delighted that it is the SNP budget which is providing the funding to ensure this happens.”
Council officers have pledged to conduct a consultation with the community, parents and primary school children over the kinds of improvements they would like to see in their park.
A timeframe for this and the overall works is still to be confirmed.
Councillor Paterson added: “The funding commitment in the SNP budget which was passed today ensures that there will be a further phase of play park improvements across Renfrewshire and that the play facilities located at Gallowhill Community Centre will be renewed following consultation with the two primary schools and other local groups which is important to ensure the new equipment caters to the needs of the community.”
Renfrewshire Conservative group leader, Councillor Graham, hailed the success of his party’s campaign for the sports pitch.
However, he failed to vote in favour of the budget, which contained the cash to complete the refurbishment.
He said: “I’m delighted that pressure from myself and my Scottish Conservative colleagues locally has brought about this sudden new investment from the SNP-led administration.
“Residents made their feelings known loud and clear that this pitch is a vital community asset and could no longer be left to neglect like this.
“We must now see the SNP administration commit to properly investing in the Gallowhill pitch going forward so that it never ends up in this withered state again.”