A worried Renfrewshire Councillor has called on the search for other sources of cash to continue amid controversial proposals to sell off recreational ground for £1.2million.
A drop-in consultation is taking place tonight on the future of Holmpark which is owned by the Bishopton Community Development Trust (BDCT) who are seeking to raise funds for projects such as the upgrade of sports pitches.
BDCT say they have been exploring raising capital through the potential sale of land assets after having little success generating funding support from sources such as the council.
The group have received an offer, subject to planning consent, from a developer to buy nearly half of the nine-acre site which could see this part become home to a store such as an Aldi or Lidl and a second retail building or gym facility.
A statement on BDCT’S website said: “We at the voluntary Bishopton Development Trust Board have worked hard to seek additional funding support for the community from various sources including BAE and Renfrewshire Council via Section 75 contributions from the Dargavel development as well as grant support from Scottish Government and numerous sporting organisations such as sportscotland.
“Unfortunately, we have had little success and monies being generated from the Dargavel development appear to be diverted away from the community to fund projects elsewhere in Renfrewshire.
“We have therefore sought to raise our own capital via other means, this being through the potential sale of land assets to help raise the funds for projects, such as the upgrade of the sports pitches at Holmpark.”
BDCT was formed in connection with the section 75 agreement entered into by BAE Systems with Renfrewshire Council as part of its planning application for the development of the Dargavel site.
As part of that section 75 agreement BAE Systems committed to give the trust some funding and transfer Holmpark to it, which was completed in 2017.
As we previously reported, Councillor James MacLaren has said he feels it is too hasty to be selling off land to raise funds, particularly as the village "needs the land for recreational purposes where that be rugby, football or just walking the dog."
“I'm aware that David Woodrow, chairman of the community council, has written to Transport Scotland seeking £1.2 million that seems to be stuck in limbo,” he added.
“I also think that there must be other sources of funding that should be tapped into such as the lottery funding.
“Renfrewshire Council has let the community down badly by watering down the Section 75 agreement and I feel they need to have a change of heart, recognise their responsibility in this debacle, and join the fight to raise the funds for sports facilities for the village.
“I'm aware that trust members are frustrated and a number of them have resigned.
"There is some strong feeling in the village and I hope this could generate a few new members to the trust board.
“With new members comes new ideas. I urge the trust not to give up the quest for funding and I am willing to help in any way I can.”
Banners opposing the proposal have been put up on the road into Bishopton Rugby Club, who are based at the site, and the councillor said it was good to see these "which should get a good crowd along to the meeting."
Responding to the councillor’s criticism, council leader Iain Nicolson said “Holmpark playing fields were transferred to a local community group seven years ago as part of the proposals for re-development of the ROF Ordnance factory site.
“Funding was also agreed by councillors in 2018 to support the trust in their plans to enhance the area.
“BDCT are responsible for the operation and running of the playing fields.
"Any decisions or proposals made regarding the playing fields is a matter for them however as with all proposals that may require planning permission I would assume they would look to receive the support of the local community.”
The consultation drop-in is taking place tonight (Tuesday, July 16) from 7pm to 8.30pm at Bishopton Community Centre.
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