Funding of £10,000 has been secured to help convert Johnstone Police Station into a new local health hub.

Active Communities will complete a feasibility study and further develop the business case for its proposal with the new funding from the Community Empowerment Fund.

The newly established fund is open to all community groups who want to take over ownership and running of a building or piece or land in their local area.

Plans for the community led health and wellbeing centre also include providing space for women's initiative Kairos, who provide support to vulnerable women facing social barriers and a men's shed for men to make social connections and build friendships.

The station kitchen could be adapted to give local people training in cookery and healthy eating and there are also plans to provide meeting rooms for other community groups.

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"The more we have grown and the greater the demand, we were keen to have a central hub so we can deliver lots more activities," said Susan McDonald, Active Communities Manager.

"Downstairs would be space for our classes and upstairs would be office space for ourselves and for other community organisations who are looking to grow. There's been great support from the Johnstone community and it is really exciting that we're one step closer.

"Our classes and activities are about having fun and helping to tackle loneliness and isolation. We aim to encourage people who wouldn't see themselves as sporty. We will have space for a drop in where people can join us for a cuppa, a chat and find out what is available."

Two other community initiatives secured funding from the Community Empowerment Fund.

Councillors on Renfrewshire's Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board approved £10,000 for Paisley Community Trust as it develops the business case to turn the old Arnott's site into a cinema, arts venue and theatre.

West End Growing Grounds Association also received £20,000 to help them relocate to Underwood Road.

The next deadline for Community Empowerment Fund applications is Friday 14 September.

(CM/MH)