People living in the Blackhall area of Paisley are being invited to an open day to learn more about the regeneration work that is going on in their area and Renfrewshire Council's plans for the future.

The open day is being held on Thursday 28 August at the Hunterhill Community Centre in Blackford Road from 3pm till 7pm.

Representatives from Williamsburgh Housing Association will be on hand to talk about the 60 new homes they are building at Blackford Road. Employees from the council's planning service will also be available to talk about the development guidelines that are being drawn up for the 'Cartha' site (the area from Cathcart Crescent to the former Ardgowan and Blackhall Courts). The site will be marketed for private development.


Councillor Brian Lawson, convener of Renfrewshire Council's housing and community safety policy board, said: "We've cleared many of the older tenements and high flats from Blackhall because people didn't want to live in them. Our plan is to make sure that the homes that people do want are available. The Williamsburgh properties are family houses with front doors, backdoors, driveways and gardens."

"The new developments will blend in much better with the existing homes in Blackhall and will provide better homes for the community."

A number of other groups will also be represented at the open day. Carts Greenspace will be offering general information about the local nature reserve at Jenny's Well and activities for children. Carts Greenspace helps communities convert wasteland into gardens and habitats for wildlife. There will also be a puppet show with a nature reserve organised by the council's biodiversity officer.

Have a Heart Paisley will be providing advice on stopping smoking and eating a healthy diet, and the Target Advice Project will be on hand with information about welfare and benefit issues.

(GK/JM)