A JOHNSTONE schoolgirl has called on council chiefs to ‘be good sports’ by breathing new life into a park which has become an eyesore.

Ten-year-old Carys Bateman has launched a petition to demand a much-needed upgrade to the ‘cricket park’ in Johnstone Castle, where the play equipment is described as “old and rusty.”

The Auchenlodment Primary pupil handed the petition, which has received support from her teachers, to local councillor John Hood, who has agreed to start the ball rolling on a much-needed upgrade.

Carys, who loves football, swimming and trampolining, told The Gazette: “The Crickey is just a few minutes walk from the school and I live two minutes round the corner in Planetree Place.

“Children would play there if it was in a better condition but it’s in a bad state and gets very muddy.”

Carys is being backed by her proud dad Graham.

He said: “The park hasn’t been touched for a long time. There are a few remaining play items, like basketball hoops and swings, but they are in bad shape.

“It’s in a shocking state and, when it rains, it become like a bog. Hopefully the council will do something.

“The petition is all down to Carys. She did it all herself, including writing a letter to the councillor.”

Councillor Hood has praised Carys for her community spirit and pledged to arrange a public meeting to discuss ways to raise funds for the improvements.

He said:“It’s really good to see kids getting involved with the environment and the local community.”

Carys also earned praise from Elizabeth Nicol, who is deputy headteacher at Auchenlodment Primary.

Mrs Nicol said: “All of the primary seven pupils were present to see Carys handing the petition to Councillor Hood.

“People have been very concerned about the state of the park, so Carys has set the ball rolling with her petition to try to get improvements.”

The ‘Cricket Park’ name is believed to date from the days of the original Johnstone Castle estate, when there was a sports ground at the site.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, convener of Renfrewshire’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “The two pieces of play equipment at the informal open space play area at Johnstone Castle are inspected every two weeks and are safe for use by the community.

“I would like to thank Carys for her passion for her local community and would be happy to work with any interested groups wishing to undertake fundraising for their play area.

“We are also employing officers to support community groups in identifying opportunities to develop areas within their local communities.

“We are committed to providing the best facilities we can for our communities and are currently delivering a £2.25 million investment to improve Renfrewshire parks.

“We are also working closely with communities through the Team Up to Clean Up campaign.”