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.”
Meanwhile, families in Gallowhill will see a big improvement in their recreational spaces before the end of this year.
Renfrewshire Council recently confirmed investment, previously outlined in its budget, will be handed over to develop Gallowhill play park and the community Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) this year.
At a recent meeting of the council’s infrastructure, land and environment board officers explained work to restore the MUGA, which has been badly vandalised, will start before the end of the year.
They said a consultation will also get underway with families and local school children who will play a part in selecting new equipment for the Netherhill Road park.
The development was welcomed by Gallowhill councillors Cathy McEwan and Jim Paterson.
Councillor McEwan said: “I am delighted that there will be investment in two parks in the Renfrew South and Gallowhill Ward, both play parks are well used community assets and deserve a refurbishment to improve the equipment for our young people.”
In total £657,000 will be invested in brand-new play equipment and refurbishments this financial year.
The investment will see five play areas renewed – namely Anne Avenue and Victory Gardens in Renfrew; Tannahill Crescent and Miller Street in Johnstone; and Netherhill Road in Paisley – and a further play area at Urquhart Crescent in Renfrew will be refurbished.
Councillor Paterson said: “I was clear during the local government election campaign last year that investment in these two parks would be a priority for me should I be re-elected.
“I am pleased that work is to proceed soon following consultations with local school pupils in both areas.
“I am also pleased to see progress on investment in the MUGA which is in desperate need of a refurbishment. This was a commitment in the administration budget passed in March and shows that we are serious about improving the outdoor facilities for all residents.”
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