First set of projects from #YouDecide campaign completed

We previously reported how the campaign saw local people put forward their ideas for infrastructure projects in their area after Renfrewshire Council made £1.2million available for communities to spend on projects that would enhance their neighbourhoods – and then they voted for their favourites from the ideas put forward.

A new walkway in Erskine has been completed along the riverside which is being used by walkers, cyclists and by the area’s parkrun for warmups, and race director David Benstead is delighted with the new surface.

He said: "The resurfacing of the path leading to the Newshot Nature Reserve makes one of the routes for runners heading to Erskine Waterfront parkrun much easier to access, particularly during periods of wet weather. 

"The path previously was very muddy and uneven under foot, but this has been a fantastic improvement to the waterfront and allows our runners to use it as part of their warmup."

Howwood Park has also benefitted from the investment with a perimeter path around the park upgraded with a new surface giving better access to the play park and for walkers, and work is underway to redevelop the football pitch in the centre of the park.

Friends of Howwood Park member Gillian Whyte said: "The new tarmac path is more suitable for walking, cycling, scooters, prams, and wheelchairs and has really opened up the park so it can be used to its full potential.

"It will be great when the drainage works on the football pitch are complete too as this will hopefully stop it from becoming waterlogged. It's great to have a good grass football pitch in our village, especially one which will have received so much work."

Another project completed has seen both footpaths on the route to Inchinnan Primary School at Broompark Avenue resurfaced to make it safer for pupils and parents on the walk to school.

Maggie Morrison, of Inchinnan Community Council, said: "This project is fantastic and so long awaited. Broompark is a main route to school and is also home to many older residents, so tarring the footpaths helps our older generation to feel more confident out and about and is safer for our children on their way to and from school.

"The footpaths on both sides are so smooth you could roller-skate down them!"

For more information on the #YouDecide campaign, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/youdecide.