Taylor Murray
CONCERNS have been raised over the future of a “muchloved” park in Renfrew amid reports of it being sold.
Clydeview Park, which runs alongside the River Clyde at Ferry Village, opened in 2005 and has been a popular spot for recreational activities.
However, after claims that the land, which is privately owned, has now changed hands, reassurances are being sought.
One anxious resident who often uses the park fears the community will lose a treasured green space.
“The park is really vital to everyone who lives in Renfrew,” said the resident, who asked to remain anonymous.
“There is often talk about mental health issues and how open spaces help. We need a park there because of the amount of building that has taken place since 2008.
“All the residents who have dogs use the park too and it is much loved.
“It would be a shame if they sold it off for property.”
The park was originally built as part of a regeneration project led by public and private sector organisations which focused on revitalising the Clyde from Braehead to Renfrew town centre.
When being designed, children from five Renfrew primary schools – Moorpark, Newmains, Kirklandneuk, St James and Arkleston – helped design sculptures for the park.
Councillor Jamie McGuire, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead for Labour, has also raised concerns about the future of the park, which he said has not been maintained properly in recent times.
He added: “I have reached out to the factors to get some clarification about the land and I have not heard anything.
“I will be doing my utmost to protect the park, whoever owns it.
“I have tried to organise meetings with factors but have not been able to get anywhere yet.
“It has been hard enough to figure out who actually runs the place, which is something I still don’t actually know.
“It is a vital green space for the people in Ferry Village.”
Assurances over the park’s future are also being sought by Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands.
He said: “This is an ongoing issue and my understanding is the land is privately owned and privately managed and that the ownership of the park and land recently changed hands.
“I’ve contacted Renfrewshire Council, highlighting the concerns of myself and other local residents and asking what action they might be in a position to carry out, but the simple fact is the responsibility for the facility lies with the owners and not the taxpayers.
“Clearly, this is a key resource and the promises made to the people of Renfrew nearly 20 years ago about the amenity that would be provided to the community must be kept.
“Indeed, in the words of the original developers, it was to be ‘a major asset, benefitting local residents and the growing number of people living and working at Braehead and Renfrew Riverside.’
“That promise must be kept.”