£1.87million fund set to launch as Renfrewshire further empowers its communities

The next steps of a £1.87million investment in Renfrewshire’s green spaces and villages are set to be considered as part of a continued drive to empower local community groups and residents.

Councillors will consider a report at the upcoming Leadership Board which outlines the key objectives and the proposed application process of the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund, after the Council made the commitment in the 2018/19 budget.

The fund is set to empower local people to make physical and environmental improvements across Renfrewshire as they are supported to work up ideas and projects and advised on how to access the funding required to bring them to life.

Communities will also be supported to carry out condition and development surveys of green spaces, including parks and play areas, as their ideas are sought on how to develop and improve their local area.

£370,000 of the investment has been allocated to develop a Villages Investment Fund which will encourage applications from smaller communities and will deliver projects that strengthen the identity, heritage, uniqueness and integrity of village life.

A further £110,000 has been allocated to support the provision of a Multi-Use Games Area or alternative facility in the Bargarran area of Erskine.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson, said: “We’re committed to providing our communities with the opportunity to develop, improve and take forward projects which will benefit their local area.

“This new fund is a significant investment in our communities and we want residents to tell us what they need to make their area a better place to live.

“We’ll provide the support, expertise and impetus to bring their visions to reality if they can demonstrate that their idea will make a real and sustainable difference to the lives of those around them.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the exciting ideas for improvements coming forward from local communities once the fund is officially launched.”

As part of the recent major improvements to Renfrewshire’s parks, which saw £1million invested in both Robertson Park in Renfrew and Barshaw Park in Paisley, £250,000 was allocated to five neighbourhood parks in the area – Thomas Shanks Park, Johnstone; Barwood Park, Erskine; Houston Road Public Park, Bridge of Weir; Howwood Public Park; and Kilbarchan Public Park.

Discussions are ongoing with communities over the best use of these funds and the report to Councillors notes that communities will be supported to access this funding and develop their ideas on how it should be used.

Councillors will consider the proposals at the Leadership Board meeting on 19 September 2018.