Community groups hope to land £100k to improve parks
Two Paisley projects are in line for a cash injection from Renfrewshire Council.
Pals of the Privies and Stronger Communities Glenburn are set to receive £ 50,000 each, if their funding applications are approved by councillors tomorrow.
A sub- group of Ferguslie Community Council, Pals of the Privies was created from an interest in improving Glencoats Park.
It hopes to secure funding from the local authority to overhaul a small play area in the park by upgrading the surface and equipment.
A report, which will be presented at the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “The community of Ferguslie are behind the play park plans and continuously demonstrate their drive and ambitions for the park through regular engagement with the Team Up to Clean Up Campaign.
“Their growing partnerships with local youth groups and their ability to reduce antisocial behaviour through connecting and engaging positively with potential sources.
“The majority of respondents are pleased with the look of the park and now feel safe using the space since Pals of the Privies delivered significant improvement works.”
Me a n w h i l e , Stronger Communities Glenburn is keen to receive £50,000 to develop and upgrade several play areas locally, starting with the largest park at Skye Crescent.
The report said: “Skye Crescent play park sits in the heart of the community next to the local shops, Glenburn Community Centre and Glenburn Library.
“The park is used by Stronger Communities Glenburn to host their annual summer gala day, Easter egg hunt and community sports day.
“Glenburn Pre- 5 Centre were regular users of the park, however, in recent years they have used the facility less frequently due to the ageing condition of equipment.
“They have confirmed they would be keen to increase their use again if the facility were upgraded.
“Renfrewshire Youth Services use the park for their activities.
“Skye Crescent park’s equipment is largely over 30 years old, approaching the end of life phase and noted by Environment and Infrastructure as having “low play value”.
“The Stronger Communities Glenburn group is looking to refresh the current play offering and replace it with new, dynamic and exciting equipment chosen by the children of Glenburn.
“The group are keen for the equipment to be all- inclusive appealing to both younger and older children and installing equipment suitable to youths of varying capabilities.”
If given the green light, the funding for these projects would come from the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund.
Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, praised the projects that have been recommended for funding, which also include initiatives in Elderslie, Howwood and Renfrew.
She said: “These projects will make a huge difference to the local area if they are approved and we’ll continue to work with local groups to ensure their applications fit the criteria required and will benefit their local community.
“The fund gives people the opportunity to shape the development of their local parks and green spaces and carry out improvements that, using their local knowledge, will be of most benefit to the community.
“If you have an idea which fits the bill, please get in contact with the team and we’ll support you to make your application for future awards from this £1.87million fund.”
These projects will make a huge difference to the local area if they are approved