Regen plans for Fernhill
SLC looking at scheme for area
The Fernhill area in Rutherglen is in line for a neighbourhood plan aimed at helping the area.
South Lanarkshire Council are currently developing the scheme for the region, which would be the fourth in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Already neighbourhood plans are in place in Springhall and Whitlawburn, Burnhill and Cambuslang East.
The Fernhill proposals have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but are now underway, according to a recent meeting of the Cambuslang and Rutherglen area committee.
Neighbourhood plans are required to set out clear priorities for improving local outcomes and tackling inequalities in a local area, with participation with the communities at the heart of the proposals.
For Fernhill, the latest council report stated: “Work on this plan has been slower than usual due to the restrictions of the pandemic making face-to- ace work impossible for long periods of time.
“However, a local survey is open and will remain open until the target of 40 per cent of all households in the area participating has been reached and the stakeholders are content that they have a representative
view of Fernhill residents priorities.
“As restrictions have relaxed, some face to face engagement is now possible using safe systems of working and this is being utilised where it can be.”
The report also detailed the progress being made in the three areas where plans have already been implemented.
For Springhall and Whitlawburn, they stated that: “Progress has continued to be made against eight of the identified priorities.
“The Let’s Talk About Our Place online sessions have been a huge success, and learning from this will help extend our reach and involve those less inclined to attend meeting but who want to beinvolved in the future.
The refurbishment of the library in Springhall and activities organised
through the Whitlawburn Community Resource Centre were praised as well.
In Burnhill, the latest update found that: “The community have made considerable progress on six of their priorities during a tough year, particularly the Stronger and Better communities priority where they ensured over 200 neighbours had essential items throughout the pandemic.” It also noted the success of events like the Elf trail and street bingo, as well as a breast screening awareness campaign to improve local health.
Lastly, for Cambuslang East they stated: “Progress has been made on every priority within the plan even during a very tough year; the groups in the area have shown flexibility delivering projects online and outdoors where possible.”