Funding has been secured for the development of community green spaces in Renfrewshire.

Four groups are to share funding of £200,000 as part of the first wave of applications recommended for approval from a £1.87million fund created by Renfrewshire Council.

Councillors will consider five applications to the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund.

Upgrading and installing new play equipment has been a key priority for local groups, although the fund does encourage applications for all aspects of green spaces to improve their look, feel and usability.

Applications for the maximum allocation of £50,000 set to be considered are:

• A brand-new zip slide, outdoor gymnasium, skateboard ramps, football goals and junior play area in Howwood Public Park.

• New all-inclusive play equipment chosen by local children in Queen's Road Play Park in Elderslie.

• An enhanced play area within Glencoats Park as part of the first phase of improvements planned by local group Pals of the Privies.

• New dynamic, exciting play equipment in Skye Crescent Play Park in Glenburn which will be inclusive for all young people.

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An application of £9,088 from Friends of Knockhill Park will also be considered to install a new expression swing for young parents and carers to use with their little ones, as well as new picnic benches and seating in the park.

Langcraigs Parent Council have been awarded £4,875 to establish an all-hours accessible play park within the school grounds which will have a mini football pitch, basketball nets and other playground games.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: "These projects will make a huge difference to the local area if they are approved and we'll continue to work with local groups to ensure their applications fit the criteria required and will benefit their local community.

"The fund gives people the opportunity to shape the development of their local parks and green spaces and carry out improvements that, using their local knowledge, will be of most benefit to the community.

"If you have an idea which fits the bill, please get in contact with the team and we'll support you to make your application for future awards from this £1.87million fund."

The Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund aims to regenerate and make physical and environmental improvements to areas across Renfrewshire identified by the local community.

Awards from the fund will assist in bringing in external funding, increase community participation in local areas and encourage the process of transferring assets to local communities.

Each application must show it has consulted the local community to ensure there is a need and desire for the project and that it would improve community life.

£370,000 has been ringfenced from the overall £1.87million fund specifically for investment in Renfrewshire's villages, through the Villages Investment Fund, and applications must show that they will strengthen the unique identity, heritage and character of village life.

(MH/CM)