Residents call for spending on new facilities

PLANS to build more than 30 new homes on vacant land in Johnstone must spark more investment in a “neglected” area, residents have insisted.

Linstone Housing has lodged an application to build a mixture of terraced properties, cottage flats, and bungalows in the housing estate of Sandyflats.

The proposal for land to the north of Ryefield Avenue has received a positive reaction from the community.

However, many residents are now suggesting that, if the plans get the green light, they should act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area.

With new council homes built in Johnstone Castle and more planned for Howwood Road, Councillor Andy Doig insists it’s time for Sandyflats and Cartside – which are next to each other – to receive the same treatment.

The Johnstone North councillor said: “In recent years Johnstone Castle has seen massive regeneration, and now Howwood Road is also to get it. When is it the turn of Sandyflats and Cartside?”

If plans are approved, Linstone says the existing footpath to the south-west of the site will be upgraded and will become a more “userfriendly” addition to the area.

There would be 16 terraced houses, 12 cottage flats, and three bungalows erected, with the latter designed for wheelchair users.

Shaun Mitchell, convener of Sandyflats Tenants and Residents Association, said: “longmeadow will also need to be upgraded as a road and the drain that always floods on the opposite side of the road needs to be dealt with, and that is just for starters.”

Linstone Housing and Renfrewshire Council were approached for