Anger over kids" park homes plan

Russell Steele Russell Steele - 1627 • Last updated 25 Mar 2008 11:10 0 Comments

PARENTS are furious at plans to build on one of the few remaining kids" playparks in the Port.

Anger is growing after it was revealed the popular site on Port Glasgow"s Monarch Road is to have tests carried out on it by contractors working for River Clyde Homes - who are looking for a place to build 60 new properties. Residents are raging because the precious playground is one of the last left in the town.

The housing association admitted it is looking at the site - but insisted nothing has yet been ruled in, or out.

One angry resident, who did not want to be named, told the Tele: 'The residents of Monarch Road, Tiree Avenue, Mull Avenue and Staffa Avenue are all against this playpark being built over, as there are no other playparks in the area and also no other open space like this area for the community to use.'

Another angry resident said: 'I can"t understand why River Clyde Homes would plan to build on a children"s play area.

'I thought they were planning to refurbish areas to make them great places to live. Do they not understand the importance of play areas to the immediate community?'

SNP councillor Jim MacLeod, who represents the area, said he had been contacted by people worried over the future of the park.

He said: 'Constituents have asked me to look into this and I support the community in their concerns - it should be kept as a play area.

'There are lots of young families there and people want their kids to be able to play in a nearby, safe place.

'River Clyde Homes told me nothing was set in tablets of stone, but it now appears they are seriously beginning to look at this area for potential housing.

'It has always been an area where kids have played, back to when I was a wee boy myself.'

Councillor MacLeod told the Tele other sites in the Oronsay area would be more suitable for development.

He said: 'River Clyde Homes are right to build new houses, but this is a green site and there are a number of houses already being demolished in the Oronsay area.

'Why not build on those brownfield sites instead of picking a playpark? There is already a shortage of places up the hill for kids to play.'

Angela Spence, River Clyde Homes" head of regeneration, said: 'River Clyde Homes has an extensive development programme to be achieved by 2015.

'We are presently exploring potential development sites within our ownership. We are engaged in a process of community consultation and site investigations to assess the viability of the sites which could be developed in the short to medium term.

'Oronsay estate in Port Glasgow is considered to be an early opportunity for development of new housing, primarily at the site surrounding the community hall and the new nursery which is under construction by Inverclyde Council.

'The area at Monarch Road is also being scoped, due to its close proximity to the larger site, but the investigations are at a very early stage. No decision has been made in relation to this area.'

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 21 Mar 08

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