VILLAGERS are rallying together in a bid to save a public park which has been “left to rot.”

The Howwood Public Park Committee, which was formed at the end of last year, is keen to take control of the park from Renfrewshire Council so that youngsters have somewhere they can enjoy the outdoors.

There are fears the council will sell the field and pavilion to a developer or sports club if villagers are unsuccessful with their bid.

Dougie Chalmers, who is helping to lead the bid, said that, provided the group can find ways to fund the running of the park, it will look into full ownership.

He added: “The pavilion has been left to rot, the grass is hardly cut and the goalposts haven’t been maintained.

“The condition of the park is dreadful.

“Our group is at an early stage but we really want to create a proper, usable football pitch and do up the pavilion. We want to grow the appeal of the park.”

The group hopes to become a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation and begin the process of an asset transfer.

Once that is complete, it will then begin to apply for funding, sponsorship and grants.

The committee is forming a business plan to present to the council to demonstrate it can maintain the park year on year.

Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene, who represents West Scotland, has given his support to the community’s bid.

He said: “This is pretty much the only safe open space for kids and families in the village. It has been neglected terribly.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said Howwood Park is held in trust for the village.

He added: “The park has not been put up for sale, although the council has been approached by three local community groups who have declared an interest in potentially taking control of the space. However, to date, no formal approach has been made.

“As part of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, the council welcomes all requests from community bodies who may wish to take ownership of land and buildings in their local areas for the benefit of the community.”