Over £300k will be spent on providing a range of community facilities and environmental improvements for residents of the Lionthorn Estate and the surrounding area.

After substantial consultation with the local community, final proposals were yesterday agreed by Falkirk Council's Environment and Heritage Committee.

A planning contribution of £318k was secured for the new housing development at Lionthorn and a number of projects have now been identified to meet the needs of the community.

The new plans could include: the upgrading of the Policy Bing Park with new grass pitches, a multi court facility and landscaping, tree planting, path and habitat creation to the area east of the Lionthorn estate, a small car parking area and interpretation boards for the community woodland and Enhanced existing play areas at Glengarry Crescent and Achray Drive.

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Councillor Adrian Mahoney, Convener of the Environment and Heritage Committee said: "Over the last two years, officers have worked closely with the community to make sure that their views and vision for the area are realised.

"Local residents have had a big say on how the money will be spent and now that the community is fully established we are now in a position to move forward with plans which will greatly benefit and enhance the community."

A number of consultations with local residents have taken place to decide how the money could be best spent on community improvements.

At the first community consultation in 2006, residents agreed to award £6,540 to the Lionthorn Community Woodland Association for new paths and £28,675 to Callendar Estate for the Lionthorn Woodlands in and Around Towns (WIAT) scheme which provides footpath access to the south of Falkirk. Both projects are now complete.

A consultation event also took place earlier this year and a newsletter was issued to over 500 residents to keep them up to date with progress. A further newsletter will be distributed before the matter is finally decided at the Council's Policy and Resources Committee in January.

(GK)