Latest news with #RenfrewshireCouncil
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Project to restore derelict land in Paisley's Ferguslie Park could help tackle antisocial behaviour
Renfrewshire Council awarded £650,000 to deliver regeneration of Belltrees site into multi-functional greenspace. A project that will restore almost three hectares of derelict land in Paisley's Ferguslie Park will help tackle antisocial behaviour in the area, it is hoped. Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 of Scottish Government cash to deliver the regeneration of the Belltrees site into a multi-functional greenspace. Two new shared pedestrian and cycle routes have been planned, as well as a natural play trail, event space and landscape features, enhanced biodiversity and drainage improvements. Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest, believes the initiative could deter issues such as fly-tipping and dirt bike use. He said: "It's good news that Renfrewshire Council has been awarded the funding from the SNP Scottish Government to work on the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional greenspace. "At the moment this area has been used for fly-tipping or by people using dirt bikes, creating a nuisance and mess for local residents. "The transformation of this site will hopefully cut down on such antisocial behaviour while creating a new community space for the residents of Ferguslie." Funded from the vacant and derelict land investment programme, designs are set to be completed this summer, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. The regeneration project is part of 'The Making of Ferguslie' which is a long-term, community-led framework developed in partnership with residents to reimagine the area and deliver lasting change. Approved by the council in December 2021, the plan sets out a shared vision for Ferguslie Park, with a focus on transforming underused land, enhancing greenspaces and supporting local initiatives. At the centre of the regeneration is the Ferguslie Green Line – a green corridor and public realm spine that will connect key parts of the neighbourhood and provide a vibrant space for residents. Councillor Andy Steel, SNP convener of the economy and regeneration policy board, said last week: "The Making of Ferguslie is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work hand-in-hand with our communities. "I'm delighted that we have been awarded such a significant amount of funding to support the Belltrees project as this will make a visible difference to the area and will help create a greener, more connected and vibrant Ferguslie Park for generations to come." The first project to emerge from the Green Line is the Neighbourhood Centre at Bankfoot Road and this activity space is transforming vacant land into a games and recreation area, framed by a tree-lined boulevard that links to schools and the Tannahill Centre – with construction expected to finish this summer.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Thousands of people benefit from third year of Winter Connections programme in Renfrewshire
The warm spaces initiative ran from roughly November until March. More than 2,500 people have benefitted from the third year of the Winter Connections programme in Renfrewshire, it has been estimated. The warm spaces initiative – a network of sessions that allows people to enjoy the company of others in a welcoming environment – ran from roughly November until March. Backed by £75,000 in council funding, it facilitates grants of up to £2,000 for groups and organisations so they can provide free activities which are inclusive and offer warm drinks and food in the colder months. An evaluation of the scheme for 2024/25 has been completed and will be considered by the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee at its meeting on Wednesday. It said: "The Winter Connections programme has been running during the winter months since November 2022. "The programme has been delivered in partnership with local organisations and aims to encourage people to connect and participate in activities in warm and welcoming spaces across communities in Renfrewshire. "Local community and voluntary organisations can apply for small grants of up to £2,000 to support with the additional costs of making venues, activities and sessions open as part of the programme. "Items eligible for funding include equipment, food, energy costs, and rent. The programme has been evaluated each year and has positively contributed to Renfrewshire Council's continued wider response to the cost-of-living crisis. "As a result, in June 2024, £75,000 of funding was allocated from the Fairer Renfrewshire programme to support the delivery of a third year of Winter Connections for 2024/25. "The programme continues to attract new organisations bidding for funding, with this year's programme being delivered by a mix of organisation that have received funding before and those new to Winter Connections." Some of the key findings included the social aspect of bringing people together managing to create a sense of belonging and supportive environment, which was particularly important for people who felt isolated. The activities provided opportunities to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, learn new skills and boost confidence. The programme enables organisations to engage with new people, raising awareness of their venues and services and signposting to other services across Renfrewshire. The provision of hot drinks in libraries encouraged visitors to stay longer and connect with others and library staff, while the offer of free food at venues meant the initiative could support families experiencing financial hardship. It became apparent the scheme continues to act as an "important element" of the local authority's response to the cost-of-living crisis. A total of £75,000 in funding has already been set aside to support the delivery of a fourth year of Winter Connections.
STV News
6 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Project to restore derelict land takes step forward with cash boost
A project that will restore almost three hectares of derelict land in Paisley's Ferguslie Park will help tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, it is hoped. Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 of Scottish Government cash to deliver the regeneration of the Belltrees site into a multi-functional green space. Two new shared pedestrian and cycle routes have been planned, as well as a natural play trail, event space and landscape features, enhanced biodiversity and drainage improvements. Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest, believes the initiative could deter issues such as fly-tipping and dirt bike use. He said: 'It's good news that Renfrewshire Council has been awarded the funding from the SNP Scottish Government to work on the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park, which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional green space. 'At the moment, this area has been used for fly-tipping or by people using dirt bikes, creating a nuisance and mess for local residents. 'The transformation of this site will hopefully cut down on such antisocial behaviour while creating a new community space for the residents of Ferguslie.' Funded from the vacant and derelict land investment programme, designs are set to be completed this summer, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. The regeneration project is part of 'The Making of Ferguslie' which is a long-term, community-led framework developed in partnership with residents to reimagine the area and deliver lasting change. Approved by the council in December 2021, the plan sets out a shared vision for Ferguslie Park, with a focus on transforming underused land, enhancing greenspaces and supporting local initiatives. At the centre of the regeneration is the Ferguslie Green Line – a green corridor and public realm spine that will connect key parts of the neighbourhood and provide a vibrant space for residents. Councillor Andy Steel, SNP convener of the economy and regeneration policy board, said last week: 'The Making of Ferguslie is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work hand-in-hand with our communities. 'I'm delighted that we have been awarded such a significant amount of funding to support the Belltrees project as this will make a visible difference to the area and will help create a greener, more connected and vibrant Ferguslie Park for generations to come.' The first project to emerge from the Green Line is the Neighbourhood Centre at Bankfoot Road and this activity space is transforming vacant land into a games and recreation area, framed by a tree-lined boulevard that links to schools and the Tannahill Centre – with construction expected to finish this summer. STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
£650,000 awarded to transform derelict land in Ferguslie Park
Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 to deliver the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional greenspace. More than two hectares of derelict land in the heart of Ferguslie Park are set to be transformed thanks to a £650,0000 funding boost. The Belltrees Project will see a multi-functional greenspace created with a natural play trail, event space, landscaping and native planting. Two new shared pedestrian and cycle routes linking to local schools and services will run through the site which will also benefit from improved drainage. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), with construction set to begin early next year. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is helping transform derelict sites the length and breadth of Scotland, creating homes, jobs and facilities that drive economic growth, tackle poverty and help support growing thriving communities. 'This funding forms part of a wider £62.15 million investment by the Scottish Government towards regeneration projects in 2025-26. 'I am delighted that this year's funding includes support for the Belltrees project and look forward to it contributing to the creation of a valuable asset for the local community for years to come.' The regeneration project is part of The Making of Ferguslie — a long-term, community-led framework developed in partnership with local residents to reimagine the area and deliver lasting change. Approved by Renfrewshire Council in December 2021, the plan sets out a shared vision for Ferguslie Park, with a focus on transforming underused land, enhancing greenspaces, and supporting local initiatives. The programme is already delivering visible results, with key projects now underway or in development. At the centre of the regeneration is the Ferguslie Green Line — a new green corridor and public realm spine that will connect key parts of the neighbourhood and provide a vibrant, multi-functional space for residents. Designed to promote active travel, community activity, and biodiversity, the Green Line will act as a catalyst for wider transformation and a symbol of positive change. Councillor Andy Steel, convener of Renfrewshire Council's economy and regeneration policy board, said: 'The Making of Ferguslie is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work hand-in-hand with our communities. 'I'm delighted that we have been awarded such a significant amount of funding to support the Belltrees project as this will make a visible difference to the area and will help create a greener, more connected and vibrant Ferguslie Park for generations to come.' The first project to emerge from the Green Line is the Neighbourhood Centre at Bankfoot Road and this new activity space is transforming 0.66 hectares of long-term vacant land into a unique, sunken games and recreation area, framed by a tree-lined boulevard that links to local schools and the Tannahill Centre – with construction expected to complete this summer. For more information on The Making of Ferguslie, visit:
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Police chief appeals to young people not to carry weapons as knife possession soars in Renfrewshire
The Express reported last week how new data showed 379 bladed weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire in the past 11 months Police chiefs are pleading with young Buddies not to carry weapons as knife crime soars across Renfrewshire. Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs appealed directly to young people just days after the death of Lanarkshire teenager Kayden Moy. The Paisley Daily Express reported last week how new data showed 379 bladed weapons offences were recorded in Renfrewshire in the past 11 months – a hike of 31 per cent. It was a figure police chiefs described as 'really concerning' as they pointed to an increase in young people carrying knives in local communities. Speaking to BBC Scotland, ACC Mairs said: 'The key message to children and young people is they shouldn't be carrying knives – it is absolutely the wrong thing to do. 'You may think it's something that makes you feel more secure, you may feel its something that makes you feel part of a group, you may think in an oblique way that its somehow protecting yourself. 'But the tragic consequences [last] weekend demonstrate how horrific, in a second, the fact that you're carrying a knife with you can be, and how it can end lives immediately. The clear message is do not carry weapons – do not carry knives.' Three teenagers have died due to knife crime in Scotland over the space of a year. ACC Mairs said that, although the homicide rate was at its lowest in three years and in the past year there had been a 29 per cent decrease in serious assaults, police were concerned about an increase in violence in schools. A total of 712 reports of violence were made across Renfrewshire primary and secondary schools in the first seven months of this academic year – a figure that continues to grow. A freedom of information (FOI) response from Renfrewshire Council earlier this year also revealed that, between the academic years 2019-20 and 2024-25, there had been 256 incidents involving physical violence, aggression or abuse towards Renfrewshire high school teachers. ACC Mairs also revealed that stop-and-search operations and detections of knife crime shows that a younger age group was now carrying knives, specifically those aged between 11 and 15. He said: 'We are concerned that the average age of those involved in violence is getting younger and younger. Violence is a societal issue – we are working with partners to help address these trends. 'One death because of knife crime is unacceptable so forgetting trends, what happened over the weekend is tragic.' At a recent meeting of Renfrewshire Council's police and fire & rescue scrutiny sub-committee, local police chiefs announced they had launched a working group to specifically address knife crime, with partners in education and youth work sitting on the board. Officers also committed to a series of awareness campaigns in Renfrewshire schools and the continuation of its stop and search practices.
