VOLUNTEERS ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH
Woodland way opens despite last-minute pitfall
Community spirit was key as determined volunteers worked round the clock to create a brand new woodland path in Balfron – despite the project almost ending in disaster.
The pathways group of the Balfron Development Trust completed works on the new entrance route to Fire Station Woods in the village, which was previously difficult to access.
The group secured funding of almost £2000 from Paths for All and matched that cash with their own effort.
Trees and bushes were professionally removed and drainage work was undertaken before layers of aggregate and top dressing were set down.
Work got underway in August and was due to be completed by mid-October, with 10 to 15 volunteers regularly working on the project.
However, just days from it’s official opening, engineers using the woods to access a troublesome water pipe caused near fatal damage to the volunteers’ hard work.
Heavy machinery appeared to have damaged the surface of the path and the drainage system while knocking down a newly installed post.
Despite the setback, the volunteers’ spirit wasn’t broken as they turned out in force to rectify the problems.
And their hard work led to the new access path being fit and ready for its planned opening.
Vivien Casteel, chair of Balfron Development Trust, said: “The volunteers did an amazing job in getting the path back on track after the damage had been done. There were around 15 people working round the clock – the youngest was seven and the oldest was 80.
“The area is usually used by dog walkers, kids and even just people out walking and we’ve heard many people say how much of a difference the new access path has made.
“I think the tremendous work of the volunteers needs to be recognised.”
The tremendous work of the volunteers needs to be recognised