Greenspaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund
Renfrewshire Council · 25 October 2022
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 25 October 2022 and its agenda
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 25 October 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Communities and Housing Services ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Greenspaces, Parks & Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Overview 1.1 This report updates the Communities and Housing Policy Board on progress made in supporting community projects through the Greenspaces, Parks & Play Areas and Villages Investment fund, and seeks Board approval for the provision of grant funding for the project described in Section 3 of this report and set out in Appendix 1. 1.2 The key objective in allocating funding is to work with, and support, community groups to identify and deliver improvement projects in their local communities, improve their local greenspaces (including parks and play areas) and strengthen the identity, heritage, uniqueness and character of village life. 1.3 The Villages Investment Fund will continue to be promoted to members of the relevant Local Area Partnerships to encourage eligible communities to come forward to bid for their share of the remaining funds. 15 village applications have applied through the delegated authority process this year (details of recently concluded projects are included in Appendix 1). Around £200,000 of funding remains available for allocation in the Villages Investment Fund. 1.4 A further 8 delegated authority Green Spaces projects have been submitted and approved this year, with more still being developed by communities (included in Appendix 1). As the Fund is now almost fully committed priority will go to supporting project development in areas which have not yet received awards and to smaller bids. The current funding position is detailed in Appendix 1 Summary Table. All approved delegated authority projects are listed in Appendix 2. Appendix 1 lists projects currently awaiting approval. 1.5 As the Green Spaces fund moves toward closure in terms of the development of new projects and bids, the work of the team has been increasingly focused on supporting successful community projects to be delivered. Supply chains, skill shortages and other material challenges across the projects have impacted expected delivery dates and costs which have provided challenges for communities in realising their aspirations as quickly as anticipated.
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1.6 One example is the Lochfield Ladies Bowling & Social Club, together with the Gentleman’s Club, which received funding for a synthetic green and feasibility study in 2021 however they are now seeking to repurpose the £55,000 awarded. Increasing prices redirected the group’s ambitions, who now look to improve the current offering with increased drainage, new banking, steps, fencing, repairs to the current irrigation system and replacement of the clubhouse kitchen. 1.7 Both the Ladies and Gents groups have been working hard to increase external funds by contacting local businesses however to date this has been unsuccessful. The groups propose to take on the annual maintenance of the irrigation system to reduce any additional burden on Environment & Infrastructure and/or OneRen. The Bowlers have further consulted with their local community who are in favour of improving the standards of Lochfield Bowling Club in this way. 1.8 Another proposed change comes from Corseford Tenants and Residents Association, which was awarded £5,000 earlier in 2022 to procure tools and a container for storage. Since receipt the group have been offered an unused garage for storage from Linstone Housing Association, negating the requirement for planning permission. The group are seeking to repurpose their allocated funds to create a Butterfly Boulevard in their community with wildflowers. An entire plain grass panel will be re-designed, and flowers and tools will be procured to deliver their aspirations. 1.9 This report seeks approval for the funds allocated to Lochfield Bowling Club and Corseford Tenants and Residents Association being repurposed in the way proposed by each group. 1.10 In other groups challenges and delays are being overcome and many park installations were completed this year which were approved in 2021. Further information and updates on these projects and the impact that they are having is included in section 4 of this report. 1.11 Kilbarchan play/gym equipment, Lochwinnoch Play Park and Ferguslie Park Gardens will be installed throughout October and November. Earlier in the year Spateston, Sandyflats, Barwood and Maxwellton play areas were fitted, as well as the Ardgryffe Outdoor Accessible Gymnasium and Linwood Bicycle Proficiency area. 1.12 Improvements are ongoing by community volunteers at Teucheen Woods and Jenny’s Well, and an entirely refurbished Maxwellton Sensory Garden was delivered by the 2 local primary schools and nurseries. 1.13 Funding ringfenced for Team Up to Clean Up volunteers has seen almost £5,000 used so far to improve the appearance of volunteer’s neighbourhoods with the provision of new planters and replenished flower beds. Increasing biodiversity and the appeal of neighbourhoods for local residents and passers- by is offering a great sense of achievement for the volunteers. Committed volunteers have also received waterproof clothing and footwear.
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1.14 Conversations continue with Renfrewshire primary and secondary schools. During Spotless September activities, officers used the opportunity to teach the pupils the principles of Team Up to Clean Up and COP26, particularly focusing on the consequences of litter and the benefits of a strong community. Applications to the Green Spaces Fund are being promoted to teachers discussing how schools can use this ring-fenced funding to benefit both the pupils and the local community. 1.15 A bespoke package has been offered to all secondary schools enabling officers to present to smaller class sized groups. This closer, more personal approach is designed to encourage civic pride and demonstrate the benefits of getting involved in their community, promoting recycling and focusing on small changes that can be made to tackle climate change. 1.16 This opportunity has also been taken to engage with young people about the upcoming Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund. Building Communities is leading on community engagement to ensure Renfrewshire’s young people can maximise an offer of £3,000 for projects benefitting young people across the 7 Local Partnership areas. While visiting schools to discuss environmental responsibilities, the Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund is being promoted to allow young people to develop and consider suitable projects for their area. 1.17 Section 3 of this report seeks approval for one project to the value of £50,000. Appendix 1, table 1 lists all applicants in this round, including those under delegated authority. ________________________________________________________ Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board: (a) note the work currently being undertaken to support communities as they develop and deliver projects funded using the Greenspaces, Parks & Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund (b) agree to fund the project detailed in Section 3 of this report and Appendix 1, awarding grant funding totalling £50,000 (c) agree to the proposals from Lochfield Bowling Club and Corseford TRA to repurpose their funding as set out in Section 1 of this report (d) note the positive impact of the funding and the benefits to the wider communities delivered by the projects set out in section 4 of this report. (e) note that the current projects being developed by communities and listed in Section 3 will almost fully commit the Green Spaces, Parks and Play areas element of the fund. ________________________________________________________
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3. Summary of Applications 3.1 Renfrewshire Council has supported 86 projects since October 2018 that met the criteria for this fund. Further projects continue to be developed within communities with the following potential applicants currently active and hopeful to apply: The Darkwood Crew – Teen Shelter Knockhill Park – extension to pathway to support local runners Millview Park, Renfrew – Play Park Equipment Friends of Jenny’s Well – Signposted Nature Trail Inchinnan Development Trust – equipment to support maintenance of green areas in and around Inchinnan 3.2 Where funding is available, reports will be brought back for the consideration of the Board in relation to these projects at future meetings of the Communities and Housing Policy Board. 3.3 In this round, 1 application has been assessed which meets the criteria for approval of grant funding. Further information on this project is detailed below, with a summary of all applications included in Appendix 1 to this report. Application 1: Howwood Primary School Parent Council Funding Requested: £50,000 Recommendation: Approve 3.4 Howwood Primary School Parent Council has their priorities stated in their constitution - they will “work alongside partners to benefit the school children and the wider community”. 3.5 Howwood Primary school acknowledge the high volume of activity outwith school hours in the playground. Football, netball, teens, all ages and all activities meet here to spend time, socialise and play on the grassy space available. However, as the weather gets wetter the site becomes less accessible due to poor drainage and the boggy conditions underfoot. 3.6 Although Howwood Public Park recently benefited from new goal posts and a new play park, the demand for places youths can meet, socialise and play in Howwood and the surrounding villages surpasses the availability of good local community resources. Howwood Primary School will continue to remain open to offer young people this additional resource. 3.7 The MUGA will offer a hard, all-weather surface, which will be available out of school hours, for local youths, for the wider villages use, as well as the wider Johnstone area. 3.8 Additional funding will be required, approximately £5,000, which the Parent Council will achieve through community fundraising.
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4 Building Communities 4.1 Building Communities was formed to support delivery of the approved Community Learning and Development Strategy in early 2022 and is integrated into Renfrewshire’s Community Development structure. Building Communities’ focus is fundamentally on community engagement. Forging relations with Renfrewshire groups and individuals to ascertain and align communities needs with Council service delivery. The following showcases current community engagement projects – many of which have accessed and been supported with Greenspaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment. 4.2 The following information provides an update on the activities and projects that have been delivered so far that have not been previously reported to Board. Team Up to Clean Up 4.3 This Campaign, with its 4,000+ community members, was allocated funding from Green Spaces. Funding saw individual volunteers submit requests to procure planters, plants, shrubs and tools to facilitate physical improvements to their local streets and open spaces. Officers further support volunteers seeking neglected local spaces to be cleared by contractors prior to planting with easy to maintain, perennial plants and shrubs. Officers procure requested items and liaise with contractors to ensure the community receive the required goods/services. 4.4 Consistent volunteers, evidencing their commitment year-round, are issued caddies to hold the necessary equipment, waterproof clothing and footwear to make them more comfortable while delivering their services, any tools they request, whether to blow leaves, edge grass panels or strim long grass, are also provided.
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Cross Road, Paisley 4.5 One Team Up volunteer, Gerry McQueen, was offered support and funding to look after a communal green space in her neighbourhood. Gerry recently formed a local constituted group with her neighbours and is looking to continue and extend their work by securing Green Spaces funding. Mains Drive, Erskine 4.6 Another Team Up to Clean Up volunteer, David Dufton, concentrated on an area in Erskine next to where he lives. Planters and plants were procured and placed at the entrance to the area, benches are being arranged to enable passers-by to enjoy them. The volunteer will maintain the planters while encouraging other local people to assist.
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Memorial Area, Hamills Waterfall, Paisley Town Centre 4.7 Another long-standing volunteer, Alan Gilmour, has received a strimmer, leaf blower and hand tools. Alan wishes to enhance the care and attention given to the garden area next to the Hamills waterfall. Community Garden – South End Action Centre 4.8 The adults attending the South End Action Centre’s personal and social development groups also litterpick the surrounding area. The group requested funding to create a community garden on the grounds of the action centre which is open to all to attend. Attendees, often with their children, have been growing vegetables and herbs for their, and their family’s use. Personak and social
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Celebrating Renfrewshire 4.9 Partnerships and Inequalities are leading on the governance and distribution of the Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund across the Local Partnership areas. Building Communities support Partnerships and Inequalities to raise awareness amongst young people and engage with the demographic to encourage voting. 4.10 The steering group (photographed below), consist of young volunteers from StreetStuff and Renfrewshire Youth Voice, who are maximising the opportunity to increase volunteering hours for their Saltire Award while gaining required volunteering hours. 4.11 The steering group will support applicants by holding support sessions in local communities and online. They will further promote the vote, assisting young people to decide on successful applicants, as well as plan and deliver the Celebrating Renfrewshire event, where successful projects are announced. #YouDecide 4.12 Building Communities is further supporting Environment & Infrastructure’s #YouDecide participatory budgeting project. Engagement with communities will take place in schools, community spaces, libraries, sheltered housing complexes and supermarkets. Team Up to Clean Up volunteers were already involved in promoting the project in their local areas as well as encouraging participation through their own social media platforms.
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Green Spaces 2022 – Delivered Projects 4.13 Erskine Outdoor Group – Barwood Park Upgrade “Accessing the Green Spaces Fund was a real opportunity for our group. We were supported along the way by the Team to meet the criteria and we really can see the community, especially the children and their parents, are enjoying the new equipment. The experience also helped us to appreciate what we can achieve as a community, again it is very much appreciated, thank you!” Carole McLachlan, Erskine Outdoor Group
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4.14 Sandyflats Tenants and Residents Association – Park Upgrade Shaun Mitchell, former chair of Sandyflats TRA
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4.15 Spateston Community Development Trust – Upgrade to Spateston Play Park “This project has caused an incredible sense of civic responsibility to build in the community. People are looking after the park and other projects like the Tunnel Mural etc. We never pass the park where it isn’t absolutely jam-packed with kids, and they are there morning till night. This is something we are so pleased to provide parents with, right on their doorstep - cutting the cost of a day out tenfold. Over 3K was contributed from in community fundraising and every time we had a delay, or an unexpected expense people have flocked to donate, buy a raffle ticket, or attend an event. We feel so much more connected to our community, and it appears our community is connected with one another too.”
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4.16 Friends of West and St Mary’s Primary Schools – Maxwellton Play Park “Our pupils and parents have been full of positive feedback about the new playpark! We can see a real increase in users of the play area and children enjoying the new equipment, which is just perfect for their play and social needs. On a dry day, after school, the fun is evident and can be heard as we finish our working day in the nearby schools.” Mechele Richardson, St Mary’s Primary School Parent Council Playpark “It’s lots of fun, especially the basket swing and the spinning seesaw” It’s a great place to hang about with friends” “I love the fact that it’s brand‐new for us to play in” “Lots of new things to play on” “I like the swings” “It’s fantastic” “I like the slides and climbing”
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4.17 Friends of West and St Mary’s Primary Schools Maxwellton Sensory Garden The Sensory Garden at Maxwellton is a place local people care deeply about. Pupils from West, St Marys and pre-school children often visit to look at the flowers and mini bugs we can find. We have even planted our own herbs and vegetables on site. The sensory garden has a calming effect on visitors, local people can often see local people wandering through. Over the years the garden has become tired and suffers from anti-social behaviour at times. We applied to the Green Spaces Fund to breathe new life into the sensory garden, to encourage local people to visit and even take care of the site with us. We will continue to visit the site, clearing and planting where we can. Thank you for the opportunity for this funding and the support provided. Gill Scott, Friends of West Primary School (Parent Council) Garden !!) Quotes from the pupils “I like the flowers” “I like the stone in the cage” “It’s a nice place to have a wander around” “I like the big lunch table” “I like the dinosaurs” (great imagination) “There are lots of living things – we’ve seen some butterflies and toadstools” “It’s much nicer now because it’s not wrecked” “There is lots of space to run about and play hide and seek”
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4.18 Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve – Rediscovering Jenny’s Well "Two years ago, Jenny’s Well was as much a rubbish dump as a Nature Reserve, and not an attractive place to visit. However, with the support of Team Up to Clean Up and the Greenspaces fund, the Friends of Jenny’s Well have been gradually transforming the area. We have been able to establish a base for our equipment, purchased the necessary gear, and have so far installed 5 seats around the reserve so that people can sit and enjoy being in the natural environment. Rubbish and Fly- tipping have been removed and the paths have been cleared & improved so people can exercise easily without fighting through brambles. We have a rolling programme of bulb planting and seed sowing to boost the biodiversity of the reserve with native plants, supporting our pollinators. Volunteering is open to all, so there's opportunity for local people to experience conservation work, and we are building community links for example with schools and nurseries. The greenspaces fund has been key in making all of this happen. Our experience of applying to this fund has been very positive, and advice has been available when we needed it. Reversing the neglect of Jenny’s Well is a long-term project. We hope the fund will continue to so that this precious greenspace (and others like it) can be improved and protected in the long term." Matthew Smith, Chair, Friends of Jenny’s Well
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4.19 Houston Community Council – Outdoor Accessible Interactive Gym
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4.20 Corseford Tenants and Residents Association – Tools, flowers and planters “The Renfrewshire Council green space, parks and play areas fund has provided valuable support to Corseford Tara in helping us purchase the tools and materials required to establish attractive and vibrant community gardens and flower beds across the estate. Not only has this improved the aesthetic appeal of the area by providing colourful plants and food for local wildlife, but the encouragement also to get residents involved in borrowing our tools to look after their own areas in Corseford is forging a pride in the area again. The Tara is very thankful for the support this fund has provided and aim to ensure these benefits continue in the years to come.” George MacDonald, Corseford Tenants and Residents Association
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KlasCare, Linwood – New concrete Bicycle Proficiency Zone “The children now have a better awareness of road signs and what they mean, they have an increased road safety knowledge and understanding, the children are going out bike riding with their family and are bringing their bikes and scooters to school to play in the area, increasing their physical fitness. Feedback from families tells us it is supporting children, and their parents, mental health and wellbeing by being out in the fresh, improving their knowledge and giving them confidence to head out on the local cycle paths.” Lesley Compston, Childcare Manager
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Implications of the Report 1. Financial - Council approved the allocation of £2.020 million to establish the Greenspaces, Parks & Play Parks and Villages Investment Fund in March 2018. Due to the capital works being undertaken, Officers are ensuring that there are minimal recurring revenue costs to Services in the coming years. 2. HR & Organisational Development - None 3. Community/Council Planning – The Greenspaces, Parks & Play Parks and Village Investment Fund will be important to achieving and assisting the Community Plan by ensuring that Renfrewshire is thriving, well, fair and safe for residents, workers and visitors. 4. Legal - All legislative requirements will be taken cognisance of during this process wherever required e.g. health and safety requirements. 5. Property/Assets - There is the potential for property/assets to be included as part of this fund. 6. Information Technology - None 7. Equality & Human Rights The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety - Cognisance will be taken of health and safety requirements wherever required e.g. for play park equipment. 9. Procurement - There is no potential for the Council to be procuring and installing equipment of behalf of a community group as part of this grant funding process. 10. Risk - Discussions with the Council Risk Manager are on-going to ensure that the risk to the Council, as part of this grant funding process, is minimised. 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable 13. Climate Risk – Not Applicable _________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers None ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Oliver Reid, Head of Communities and Public Protection.
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Appendix 1 October 2022 Application(s) and Summary Table Applicant Project Description Requested Recommendation Reason Geographical Area 1. Howwood Parent Council Multi-use Games Area in Howwood Primary school £50,000 Approval by Communities and Housing Policy Board. The village of Howwood already had a park with goals however the demand seems to far outstrip available resource with the Howwood Park pitches often used by local organised football clubs. Consultation An area for ball games, not just football, would be a welcome addition village. Howwood 2. Langbank Bowling Club New store and safety improvements to grounds for visitors £5,000 Delegated Approval Although Langbank’s Bowling Club is a private membership Club, it is situated on community owned land and works very closely alongside the onsite, but divided community facility MUGA. The groups have historically shared a store and their current offering is no longer fit for purpose. A further point to note is local elderly people and people with disabilities spectate here and there are a few hazards which funding would resolve. Langbank 3. West End Growing Grounds (WEGGA) New batteries for lawnmower and power tools £600 Delegated Approval WEGGA received £2,500 funding from Green Spaces in 2019 to procure an industrial lawnmower and strimmer to ensure the wider area of Sanctuary Gardens was well maintained. It has been noted that the batteries have a limited life span and the group have requested funds Paisley 4. Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Supporting the Lochwinnoch Community Arts Festival £2,312 Delegated Approval A community film section introduced this year has proven popular with families and children and the annual Winter Windows Trail promises to be bigger than previous years. Funding will support the groups Lochwinnoch
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venue hire, artists fees, publicity drive and materials for the Winter Windows Trail. 5. Bee Happy Houston Environmental Enhancements across Houston, Craigends and Crosslea £4,800 Delegated Approval Funding will restock existing planters with appropriate winter shrubs and improve bedding with flowers, shrubbery and trees in open areas of the village. Bee Happy further plan to develop wildflower areas. Funding will further boost the spring bulb planting programme, purchase, maintain and renew power tools and hand tools required for such activity, enable the purchase of essential miscellaneous items such as soil etc. as well as renew the groups public liability insurance. Houston 6. Cross Road Community Planting programme Procuring tools, PPE and bedding plants £2,000 Delegated Approval The newly constituted community group had been focusing their efforts in Maxwellton Sensory Gardens unaware they could make desired changes to their own local green space. The group, having attracted new members, have become constituted and are empowered by changing the landscape outside their homes. Paisley
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Project Funding proposed External Funding (or other Council funding) Howwood Multi-use Games Arena £50,000 Group already have up to £2,000 for additional costs however with additional sum required estimated to be approximately £5,000 they will fund raise within the community Langbank Bowling Club £5,000 n/a WEGGA – Replacement batteries for power tools £600 n/a Lochwinnoch Arts Festival £2,321 n/a Jenny’s Well Mural £2,500 n/a Bee Happy – Enhancing our Local Environment £4,800 n/a Cross Road Community Planting £2,000 n/a Glencorse Woodland Improvements £4,997 n/a Funding Allocated Budget Committed Budget Potential Additional Projects Greenspace, Parks and Play Areas £1,280,000 £1,269,943 £55,000 Village Investment Fund £720,000 £506,626 £20,000 Staffing costs £220,000 £220,000 - Total £2,220,000 £1,996,569 £75,000
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Appendix 2 Approved Delegated Authority Projects Six more projects included in this round of delegated authority (Appendix 1) are not included below. Green Spaces Group Project Description Awarded Brediland Allotment – Entrance upgrade Repairs and improvements to entrance of allotment £1,945 Corseford Underpass Improvement to entrance and exit points after community mural painted £1,800 Corseford Container, Tools and Planters Tool bank enabling community to maintain newly procured planters and vegetation £4,999 Create Paisley Mural in Fountain gardens celebrating green space £5,000 Craigilea Renfrew - Green Space Improvement Communal area tidied and presented to wider community with seating £5,000 Erskine - Newshot Island Upgrade Repairs and improvements to nature reserve £5,000 Ferguslie Community Garden New community garden £4,820 Lancraigs Community Playground Community playground lines and new items purchased £4,875 Linwood Woodlands Path Network (LCDT) Improved path network in partnership with ParkRun £4,800 Lochfield Ladies Social Bowling Club Replacing clubhouse kitchen £5,000 Pals of Privies Container Tools to enhance Council groundwork in Glencoats park £4,999 Pachedu Community Garden in RAMH £5,000 West End Growing Grounds (Maintenance Equip) Lawnmower/strimmer/tools to keep wider Sanctuary Gardens area neat and appealing £2,609 West End Growing Grounds (User Tools) Tools for community use £4,800
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Villages Investment Fund Group Project Description Awarded Bridge of Weir Festival Committee Community Gala Day £2,500 Bonnie Bishopton Christmas lights for the village £5,000 Bonnie Bishopton Planters throughout village maintained by community £4,950 Elderslie Community Council Bags provided across the village £1,200 Elderslie Community Council Old goalpost repainted £235 Elderslie Community Council New seating area for socialising £1,702 Elderslie Community Council New “Welcome to Elderslie” signage £1,600 Elderslie Community Council Village planting – beds and planters £800 Elderslie Community Council Mural to be painted at Railway Station £1,400 Friends of Howwood Park Bank of tools to enhance Council groundworks £2,110 Gryffe Valley Walkway Project Signage and path improvements connecting villages £4,900 Houston Community Council Creation of Community Meadow and planters £4,050 Howwood Community Council Benches placed at meaningful rest points in the village £2,100 Howwood Woodlands and Wildlife Planters and improvements to green spaces £4,999 Inchinnan Planters (Brighter Inchinnan) Community Planters in village maintained locally £4,950 Kilbarchan Gala Day Gala day £1,500 Kilbarchan Smile Mary Barbour planters £1,000 KIPcO Old Library Garden Community Garden created £4,999 Lochwinnoch Sustainable Community Garden Equipment to fund ongoing improvements £1,950
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Lochwinnoch - Seed Funding - Social Garden Plans for large scale Community Social Garden £5,000 Lochwinnoch Gala Day Gala Day £2,000 Paisley FM - Signal Booster Signal booster to reach villages £3,581