‘Construction work is putting deer in danger’
Concerns have been raised about the “detrimental” impact City Deal projects could be having on wildlife after a deer was killed in Renfrew.
Councillor Jane Strang has claimed construction work on the Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) has disrupted nearby habitats resulting in deer roaming around the town centre.
Following the death of one of the animals in a tragic incident last week, she has insisted the £ 39.1million venture is placing their lives are under threat.
Renfrew Community Council members have also been in touch with the Conservative elected member to express their concerns about the situation, as they fear more upcoming projects could worsen matters.
However, Renfrewshire Council - which manages the City Deal initiatives - has insisted there is no correlation between the death of the deer and construction work.
Councillor Strang said: “This was an absolutely tragic incident in Renfrew town centre. Our wildlife is much-loved across our communities in Renfrew and they are currently under threat.
“While we all want to see the City Deal projects boost our infrastructure, this cannot be to the detriment of our wildlife.
“Officials must recognise that deer have been roaming and having to dodge vehicles near to the town centre, which has resulted now in the death of a deer.
“The habitat of our deer cannot be allowed to be decimated any further.
“People living locally are hugely concerned for our environment and while these works continue at pace, these concerns cannot be ignored any longer.”
The GAIA is one of two Glasgow City Region City Deal projects in the Renfrew area.
It has been dubbed as a potential powerhouse of economic growth for Renfrewshire by the council and involves the realignment of
Abbotsinch Road, a new bridge across the White Cart and fresh pedestrian and cycle routes improving connections between Westway, Inchinnan and Glasgow Airport business parks.
The other major scheme is the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside initiative, which will see a new two-lane opening road bridge built over the River Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker.
Deer have reportedly been spotted close to Westway Business Park and Knockhill Park as well as around the town centre in recent weeks.
Council chiefs have said protecting habitats is a vital part of both projects which have been developed in consultation with residents.
A council spokesman said: “We are sorry to hear about the death of a deer in Renfrew town centre and note reports of an increase of wildlife spotted in town centres during lockdown.
“Maintaining woodland areas for natural habitat and wildlife is an important part of our two City Deal projects in this area.
“Both projects have been carefully considered to enhance the local environment, developed following detailed consultation with the local community and with the appropriate environmental bodies as part of the statutory planning process.
“Extensive environmental impact assessments concluded there are no adverse impacts on the local habitat and as the projects progress, contractors continue to follow the planning conditions and meet all environmental controls.
“Both projects will not only bring vital jobs and opportunities to Renfrewshire, but will create a parkland next to the White Cart river which will significantly enhance the existing wildlife habitat and carry out work to safeguard the Blythswood, treating and removing non-native invasive species and removing diseased trees.”