Residents have their say at Ferguslie Park event

Community activists from Ferguslie Park got the chance to have their say on issues affecting the area at a special event run by council and police staff.

The event offered residents a platform to find out more about community safety work in the area, and speak to those delivering it.

Earlier this year, council staff joined forces with local police to conduct a series of interviews among Ferguslie Park residents, seeking their opinions on community safety in the area, and on what they wanted to see from the authorities.

Pic from event shows Divisional Commander Alan Speirs. Pic credit: Roy McKeag.

The event was used to feed back the results of that, with key findings being that residents want more visible patrols and better facilities for young people.

Speakers on the night included Alan McNiven, chief executive of Engage Renfrewshire, the area’s voluntary sector partnership, and police Divisional Commander Alan Speirs.

Topics covered included an overview on how the police and council anti-social behaviour staff work in partnership on community safety issues.

In total, 17 organisations were represented, including Victim Support, Fire and Rescue Scotland and the council’s trading standards and welfare reform advice teams.

Including partners, around 60 people attended the event, held in the hospitality suite at St Mirren Park.

Councillor Tommy Williams, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Housing and Community Safety Policy Board, said: “The issues affecting Ferguslie Park have been well publicised over the years.

“But something that comes across at events like this is the strong sense of community that exists in the area.

“We want to celebrate the work of those who are involved in that community and work with them to help make the best of the area.

“I would like to thank all who took part in what turned out to be an interesting discussion, and look forward to putting the suggestions they made into action.”

Inspector Kenny Morrison, based at Ferguslie Park police office, added: “We held this event to find out more about what people in the area want from us.

“What we plan to do now is work with them to put that into practice.

“The message I would send out to people is that we are here to help. But we can only do that if people are willing to get in touch to report issues to us.”

Residents can contact Police Scotland by calling 101, or Renfrewshire Council Community Safety Services on 0300 300 0380.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X