A new £20,000 scheme is being launched in Renfrewshire to improve town centres by bringing derelict, vacant or under-used land back into use.

Local community groups, charities and voluntary organisations are now being invited to apply for grants under the initiative. Stalled Spaces cash can be used for a wide range of projects including: community gardens and growing spaces, creating natural play areas and creating display spaces for public art or outdoor events. The land can be used for as much as a few months or as little as a few hours. Stalled Spaces grants are expected to be from £250 to £5,000.

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Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board, said, “Derelict land can become a dumping ground for fly tippers. It can also become intimidating for local residents if it becomes heavily overgrown or a focus for anti-social behaviour.

“Our aim is to revitalise every aspect of our town centres: by providing grants to improve shops fronts, by encouraging new businesses to start up and now by improving gap sites and vacant land.

“This cash will give local groups the power to improve their environment. And the council is keen to speak to anyone who has a project which will bring derelict or under-used land back into productive use.”

Approved projects will need a legal agreement to be put in place with the land owner. The Stalled Spaces Scotland programme is a national Legacy 2014 programme inspired by Stalled Spaces Glasgow, supported by Architecture and Design Scotland and the Scottish Government. It is part of the Town Centre Action Plan and prioritises sites in town centres.

Application forms are available from Engage Renfrewshire and the Renfrewshire Community Planning website – http://www.renfrewshire2023.com/ Staff at Engage Renfrewshire will also be able to provide help with completing the forms.

Applications will be considered by the Greener Renfrewshire Thematic Board which is part of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership. The board is chaired by Cllr Devine.

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