We’ll give underpass a new lease of life
Housing firm donates cash for tunnel revamp
03.04.2017 A housebuilder has chipped in with a £1,000 grant towards the refurbishment of an underpass in Johnstone where a man was attacked earlier this month.
Persimmon Homes West Scotland supported the Community Improvement Project to help transform an underpass that has been the target of ongoing vandalism and anti-social behaviour for years.
The Paisley Daily Express reported that a 49-year-old man was seriously assaulted at the underpass between the Spateston and Corseford communities in Johnstone, near to Hallhill Road, on March 13.
The victim, who was out visiting his elderly mum, was struck in the back of the head, knocking him out.
When he came to a few moments later, his attacker had already fled the scene.
The underpass, which leads to recently built shop units, has also been subjected to graffiti, fly-tipping, burnt out wheelie bins and fire damage.
There will be new lighting and a Paisley-themed mural featuring a nature scene with Paisley patterned leaves and woodland animals installed.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “The new lighting and colourful mural will enhance the whole area and hopefully encourage the local community, particularly the children, to use the underpass instead of crossing the road to access the shops.
“This generous grant from Persimmon Homes will certainly make a difference”.
“The money will be used to buy graffiti glaze, a specialist product that, once applied will prevent future graffiti and ensure that the mural remains intact for people to enjoy for decades to come.”
Work on the underpass is expected to be completed by the summer.
Doug Law, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “The underpass serves an area in Johnstone where we are currently building and we feel sure that both existing residents and future buyers at our Scholars Green development will appreciate the transformation.”
The donation comes as part of Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme.
Each month, the national housebuilder donates up to £2,000 to community groups and good causes in every one its 29 regional business.
Groups can apply for funding by visiting www. persimmonhomes. com/ charity