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February 21, 2017FREE function hire at 42 New Street
February 22, 2017There continues to be overwhelming support for major infrastructure projects that will secure Renfrewshire’s long-term economic future.
Renfrewshire Council held engagement events over seven months last year, including nine separate public exhibitions and numerous meetings with community councils.
Almost 1,500 people took the chance to have their say and help shape proposals for the ‘Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside’ and ‘Glasgow Airport Investment Area’ projects, which are funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.
Surveys completed by people attending the latest events in December revealed local support for the proposals remains very strong.
A resounding 85 per cent were supportive of the ‘Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside’ project, with eight per cent undecided and only seven per cent not supportive.
The ‘Glasgow Airport Investment Area’ project received the support of 81 per cent of respondents, with 14 per cent undecided and only five per cent not supportive.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan is the Glasgow City Region Cabinet’s enterprise lead. He said: “We held these events because we believe it’s important local people and businesses are involved at every stage of the process.
“Over 1500 people have now taken the chance to speak face-to-face to the project teams, find out about progress and raise any concerns they might have.
“I’m delighted to say that feedback has been incredibly positive, with the vast majority of people agreeing these major infrastructure projects will benefit their communities and bring huge opportunities to Renfrewshire and across our wider Glasgow City Region.”
He continued: “These projects will attract investment, create jobs and help businesses thrive as well as giving people better access to facilities.
“There is no doubt they will be a tremendous boost for our communities and it’s very clear that people are strongly behind them.”
Wide-ranging engagement activities have been carried out to inform the public and encourage them to share their views.
Exhibitions held in May and December last year were publicised in advance in local newspapers and on the websites of Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow City councils, as well as on their respective social media channels.
Renfrewshire Council also distributed more than 5,000 flyers and posters were displayed in communities throughout the three authorities.
Almost 500 surveys gauging public opinion on the projects have now been completed, with the results showing the vast majority of respondents are supportive of the plans and positive about what they mean for the future.
Fully 88 per cent agreed the new ‘opening’ bridge across the Clyde and works associated with it will create jobs and help businesses expand.
A massive 84 per cent also agreed the project will improve their access to healthcare and education facilities, employment and public transport on the other side of the river.
An overwhelming 85 per cent said significant employment opportunities will be created by the development of sites for business next to Glasgow Airport and the accompanying realignment of Abottsinch Road.
The positive feedback was not confined to the opportunities for businesses and the prospect of better access to jobs and services for local people.
More than 90 per cent of respondents also agreed the new off-road cycle routes would encourage more people to get on their bikes.
Local people will have another opportunity to comment on and help shape these projects at events scheduled to be held in May, ahead of an application for planning permission this summer.
The latest information on all of Renfrewshire’s City Deal projects can be found on the website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/
