A GRATEFUL man from Bishopton has hailed a community empowerment campaign after it turned his ideas for the area into reality.

It comes after Derek Prentice, who has lived in the area for the past 20 years, submitted the idea for a new path and benches on Ferry Road through the council's YouDecide campaign.

Following a vote from locals, the idea for a new path and benches was successful.

Derek, who is a keen walker, said:  “YouDecide is a fantastic way of giving anyone in the community an opportunity to make their ideas come true.

“I’m delighted to see this area enhanced as it really needed a path to the seated areas, and I anticipate the space will now be used more by wheelchair users and families with prams.

“I think it’s essential that folks that live in the community have a chance to make some environmental differences for the benefit of everyone, and I’m aware of many other proposed improvements in the area thanks to YouDecide which can only be a positive step.”

The new path and benches are just one project out of 50 to be delivered as part of the campaign.

Councillor Michelle Campbell added: “I was delighted to meet Derek at the new benches and see his idea had come to life.

“This is exactly what YouDecide was created for, giving local people the chance to create projects that will make a real difference to where they live.

“We’re committed to working closely with our communities in Renfrewshire to provide neighbourhoods they are proud to live in and I can’t wait to see even more of the 50 projects be completed over the coming months.”