Joy as play parks will be revamped

A decision to pour cash into the renewal of two Johnstone play parks has been welcomed by elected members.

The facilities in Miller Street and Tannahill Crescent have been earmarked for Renfrewshire Council investment.

The work, which forms part of a wider upgrade plan, is estimated to take place later this year or early next year.

Money will also be spent on play areas at Anne

Avenue, Victory Gardens and Urquhart Crescent in Renfrew and Netherhill Road in Paisley.

Labour councillor Chris Gilmour, who represents Johnstone North, thanked those who decided it was Miller Street’s turn to benefit from improvements.

He said at the recent infrastructure, land and environment policy board: “Thank you everyone who made it possible for Miller Street Park or King George V Park, as we know it in Johnstone, to get some investment.

“That’s most welcome.” Speaking after the meeting, he added: “I am really pleased that this scheme of works is going ahead.

“I have long advocated for improvements to this park which is well used by children from the local area.”

Labour group leader Iain McMillan, who represents Johnstone South, was “delighted” to see the play park at Tannahill Crescent included in the planned works for 2023/24.

“I’m afraid this is a rather tired looking play park and has been for a long, long number of years,” he told the board.

“Unlike some other communities in the area, there wasn’t really an appetite for getting involved in applying for funding and things like that. It just didn’t happen.

“It happened along the road at Howwood and Spateston and other areas but for whatever reason it never really happened, so the council has done some work and is going to be improving it.

“I do know that you can’t do all the play parks in the one day, you can’t even do them in the one year. I understand that.

“Somebody’s got to be first and somebody’s got to be last.

“I’m delighted the

Tannahill Crescent park is going to get regenerated.”

SNP councillor Michelle Campbell, board convener, said: “Free play is something that cannot be underestimated, the importance of it, and despite the difficulties that councils are faced with financially and some of the tough decisions that we are faced with having to make as councillors, I think that this investment will continue to be a flagship for Renfrewshire.

“We recognise how important it is within our local communities and the fairness that it creates.”

I have long advocated for improvements to this park which is well used by children