Councillor’s mission to bring garden back into community use
Plans are afoot to reclaim and develop a neglected community space with ‘endless possibilities’ being mooted for the site.
Linwood Community Garden is the centre of a project that could see a workshop or men’s shed built in the area.
Councillor David McGonigle says he’s working hard to bring the garden, which is located off of Brediland Road at the entrance to the OnX, back to life and to put it at the use of the local community.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Councillor is currently conducting a survey within the area asking residents for their views on redeveloping the site.
He is working closely with Linwood Community Council and has also secured crossparty support within Renfrewshire Council.
David is hoping that council officials will press ahead to allow residents to secure a lease for the underdeveloped plot.
Councillor McGonigle says the possibilities for a community-run space are “endless”. The Houston, Crosslee and Linwood councillor said: “The community garden in Linwood could, once again, be a fantastic asset for the local area, but right now it needs some investment.
That is why I am determined to find a solution and ensure that Renfrewshire Council officials can allow local residents to secure the lease for the plot.
“The possibilities for this site are endless and I truly believe that we can restore Linwood Community Garden to its blooming best. One possibility is having a workshop or men’s shed at the site, which I know would be a great boost in improving social isolation in our communities.
“I am pleased to have already secured crossparty support from fellow councillors, as well as having a positive response from the community in Linwood.
“My wider community survey will help to shape how we take forward plans for Linwood Community Garden so I encourage all local residents to get involved in my survey.”
Linwood Community Garden had once been a project of the former Linwood Community Education Centre, which prior to the construction of the On-X had been sited there. It had once been given a makeover by the BBC’s Beechgrove Garden.
Councillor McGonigle is not the first to try to breathe new life into the community garden either, last Summer Councillor Audrey Doig and local residents were looking for helpers to return the spot off Brediland Road to its former glory.
I am determined to find a solution and ensure that Renfrewshire Council officials can allow local residents to secure the lease for the plot