#YouDecide campaign attracts more than 2,800 ideas for projects in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire’s brand-new community empowerment campaign #YouDecide has attracted more than 2,800 ideas for potential upgrades to be made in the area.

With £1.2million made available for infrastructure projects, communities have been putting forward their suggestions, such as new walking and cycling routes, drainage fixes and outdoor seating, as part of the Council’s drive to use local knowledge to improve its neighbourhoods.

In-person roadshows have been held in every town and village in Renfrewshire, visits have taken place with community groups, local partnerships and community councils, as well as online, social media and radio promotion to ensure that as many people as possible had the chance to submit ideas.

Council officers are now carrying out feasibility studies on each idea to identify if they are possible and the ones which are will be put forward to a public vote in early 2022 where local  people will choose their favourites.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Depute Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the campaign with over 2,800 ideas and I know the team are excited to see what has been suggested for each area of Renfrewshire.

“By empowering communities to submit exactly what they need in their area and then allowing them to choose which projects are taken forward, this will ensure that the upgrades made are exactly what is needed for residents in that community.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the shortlist of projects and would encourage everyone to take part in the voting process when it begins early next year.”

The Council will carry out the work on the successful ideas by the close of the project in 2023.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “This is yet another example of the Council working together with the community to make where we live a better place and it’s fantastic to see such a huge response to the campaign.

“There’s no substitute for local knowledge and I can’t wait to see what everyone has come up with when the voting takes place next year.”

For more information on the project, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/YouDecide.