Blueprint for a better Balfron
Villagers get say on proposals
Ambitious and innovative proposals which could change the face of Balfron went on public display last weekend.
A Space for Living – a consultation to gauge opinion among residents – attracted a huge number of villagers keen to see the plans for Buchanan Street, the spine of the village, and areas off it.
Initiated by Balfron Community Council with the support of Balfron Development Trust, Saturday’s exhibition followed previous public consultations which addressed some of the issues and challenges facing the village, including use of public space, parking, footpaths, public transport, traffic management and road safety.
Members of the public had the chance to study display boards featuring drawings and descriptions of potential work, ask questions and fill in feedback forms, which will be collated and analysed before more detailed short, medium and long-term schemes are finalised and funding applications made.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and Stirling Council chief executive Stewart Carruth attended the event, as did the headteachers of the primary and high schools.
The proposals broadly focus on creating plaza areas at the north and south ends of Buchanan Street and establishing welcoming gateways at both entrances to the village.
Balfron Community Council chairman Colin Cameron was delighted with the turnout and the overwhelmingly positive response to the proposals.
He said: “The sense of ambition has been bought into by everyone who has come along today.’’
Volunteers behind other village projects were on hand to explain the work they are doing, including improvements to pathways, refurbishment of the war memorial and the Incredible Edible Balfron group’s plans for Tontine Corner.
Visitors were encouraged to create kokedama – a Japanese variant of bonsai – and plant mini-greenhouses with the help of Angela Smith, the Royal Horticultural Society’s development officer for Scotland.
Incredible Edible’s Andrea Gabriel said their plans included revamping the borders of the green space with medicinal plants and superfoods such as kale and spinach.
The group also hope to encourage more interaction between the village’s nursery children and old folk by creating an heirloom garden.
Balfron’s war memorial fund got off to a flying start with the news that it will benefit from a £8590 grant from the War Memorials Trust.
The project aims to stabilise the historic monument’s stone cairn and complete conservation work to repair its dressed stone and bronze plaques.
Balfron Community Council launched a campaign at Saturday’s open day to raise an additional £5000 to meet the cost of the work.
A bucket collection from the Guess the Girth of the Monument competition raised £420 and a crowdfunding page is open at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/balfronwar-memorial-restoration.
Villagers can see how the appeal is progressing from a ‘Blue Peter’style totaliser at www.balfroncc. org.uk and on the community council’s two noticeboards in the village.
The sense of ambition has been bought into by everyone who has come along today