Paisley pitch could be lost 'due to lack of investment'

Fed-up locals in Paisley’s Gallowhill say the multi-use games area has been neglected for years, with broken lighting around the pitch and huge holes left all over the cracked and rutted surface.

Now they are demanding Renfrewshire Council chiefs set aside cash in their budget to carry out the essential repairs.

Moira Hicks, who has lived in the area for most of her life, exclusively told the Glasgow Times of the importance of the hub to locals.

Moira Hicks (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “This is a much loved and well-used part of our community.

“I think it’s an absolute disgrace that it has been allowed to get into this state in the first place. Kids use this area to play football and basketball and they never cause any noise or nuisance. It gives them something to do and keeps them out of bother.

“It’s a safe area for youngsters to meet and if it is shut down then where will they go? 

"I’d like to know why repairs have not been carried out and why it’s been left in this state. It just feels like the people of Gallowhill are being treated like second class citizens and let down yet again.”

West of Scotland Conservative MSP Russell Findlay today blasted council chiefs over the condition of the pitch - and believes residents deserve better.

He said: “This could be a fantastic facility for kids, however the council are considering closing it, simply because of the state they have allowed it to fall into.

“The sensible and appropriate solution is to invest and fix it instead of just looking to shut it down on health and safety grounds. It really is deplorable as we know community spaces like this are hugely important for exercise and wellbeing.

“I’ve spoken to a number of locals who have told me this is used daily by kids for a kickaround. If it isn’t here then where do they go? It’s an incredible waste to have a space like this and not invest to use it to its full potential. I’d urge the council to do the right thing for the people of Gallowhill.”

Russell Findlay MSP and Cllr Neill Graham (Image: Newsquest)

Renfrewshire Council insists that no decision has been taken yet to close the pitch and says the it has been targeted by vandals for a number of years.

The Glasgow Times understands an inspection of the facility is set to be carried out on health and safety grounds.

Councillor Neill Graham is also calling on the local authority to ensure repairs are carried out to the community hub.

He added: “For the past four years this space has been completely neglected. The surface of the tarmac is littered with huge holes, and the lighting is no longer working. We’re asking for investment to bring it up to scratch and allow kids to enjoy it safely.

“People are keen to have the issue sorted out as soon as possible.

“It's a real shame to see a great facility neglected like this through a lack of funding.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, says the area was also well used by locals as a meeting place during the Covid pandemic.

She added: “People care about this place and it’s right at the heart of the community. During lockdown, folk would gather here for a blether and it kept a lot of people going through a tough time.

“It’s a community space but it needs improvements. I’ve never seen any vandalism here, but if you don't invest in something it will fall away. Kids would love to see it brought back to its best.

“It means a lot to the community and we even clubbed together to install a sign at the pitch in tribute to local lad Steven Smith, who was killed outside a nightclub in Paisley in 2010. That's the type of community this is, people really do care.”

Local councillor Cathy McEwan says repairs have not been carried out because the space did not receive investment in the recent #YouDecide funding bid.

She added: "This particular facility has been subjected to several instances of vandalism and was unfortunately unsuccessful in securing investment in the recent funding process.

"Meanwhile, Streetstuff continues to deliver activities weekly right at Gallowhill Community Centre. This is an award-winning programme delivered for youths in partnership with Renfrewshire Council and St Mirren Football Club. I have always and will continue to stand up for the people of Gallowhill.”

SNP councillor Jim Paterson, who represents Renfrew South and Gallowhill, added: “The playpark funding which has been used to improve play areas across Renfrewshire.

“Cllr McEwan and I have already discussed this particular MUGA and park with the relevant council officers and look forward to seeing investment in the next phase of the SNP's ongoing commitment to improving play parks and green spaces.”