Community groups will be jumping for joy over cash boost

Projects set for windfall from council coffers

Communities in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a further half a million pounds investment in green spaces, sports facilities and play areas.

It’s all thanks to Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas Fund (GSPPF) and Villages Investment Fund (VIF).

Working in partnership with the council, community groups have been submitting their ideas to improve facilities across the region.

The latest projects recommended for approval include upgraded tennis courts and a brand-new multi-use games area in Langbank, a new outdoor gym in Ferguslie Park Gardens and a brand-new community park in Spateston.

Play parks in Elderslie, Lochwinnoch, Houston and Paisley are also set for improvements should they be approved, while a new shelter in Howwood Park and upgrades to the sensory garden in Maxwellton Park are also on the table.

Also put forward for investment are two environmental projects, which would see the Tuecheen Ancient Woods, in Inchinnan, and the Rossland Circle, in Bishopton, purchased by community groups and developed into community green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

A total of ten projects from communities across Renfrewshire have been recommended for approval, with the potential funding totalling £522,466.

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy board, said: “This fund has been fantastic way for local community groups to make a real, visible difference to their local area and we have already supported 32 projects with more than £700,000 of investment.

“The funded projects are already having such a positive impact on our communities by protecting the local environment and enhancing the play opportunities available for our young people.

“I’m looking forward to considering the latest projects at our forthcoming board meeting next week.”

Three projects have been awarded £5,000 and will see improvements made to Kilbarchan Community Garden, a new boundary fence for St Mirren YFC to protect the playing fields and a bank of gardening tools provided to the West End Growing Grounds to ensure everyone has access to equipment, regardless of financial circumstances.

Councillors will consider the other projects at the meeting of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board on Tuesday.

For more information on the fund, visit www. renfrewshire. gov. uk/ GreenSpacesFund