Rutherglen Reformer

Residents tell builders hands off our green belt

Ruglonians not in favour of proposals

- Edel Kenealy

As developers propose using more green belt land for housing, the Reformer asked locals if they were worried about the erosion of green space in their communitie­s.

Taking to the streets on Wednesday, most people said they were opposed to more house building in the countrysid­e.

They spoke out after the Reformer revealed developers have asked South Lanarkshir­e Council to consider changing the use of land from agricultur­al to residentia­l at Westburn and East Farm.

Andrea Cowan, who campaigned against the Cathkin Relief Road because of the loss of green space, said: “It’s something I am against. Builders are constantly spreading into these areas and there’s nowhere for kids to run and play. We are missing our green space terribly at the relief road.”

Ann McColl agreed: “I’d say it’s important to keep some of our green space. There’s a lot of private building going on.”

Kevin Westworth said: “I’m concerned because there isn’t much green belt around. They killed it by selling it for houses across from Kirkhill Golf Club. I come from the Lake District, I lived in a village and they have done exactly that when a person decided to build on it and it’s too late for local residents to fight it.”

But William MacIntyre said: “The need for housing is really important. It doesn’t concern me at all.”

Builders are spreading into these areas and there;s nowhere left for kids to play

Andrea Cowan

 ??  ?? Protect what is left Kevin Westworth
Protect what is left Kevin Westworth
 ??  ?? Need for housing William MacIntyre
Need for housing William MacIntyre
 ??  ?? Campaigner Andrea Cowan
Campaigner Andrea Cowan
 ??  ?? Concerned Ann McColl
Concerned Ann McColl

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