THE east end of Greenock was a chorus of song and dance as residents past and present turned out in force to celebrate the opening of a new outdoor community hub.

The ribbon was cut on Saturday at the Belville Community Gardens as people got their first look at the stunning transformation of the former site of the Jedburgh, Kelso and Langholm high-rise flats.

The once barren land is now alive with plots to grow plants, meeting spaces and areas for youngsters to play.

There’s room for people to enjoy walks and seats to sit on where everyone can enjoy stunning views over Greenock, the River Clyde and beyond.

The gardens came about thanks to the Belville Community Association (BCA) and housing association River Clyde Homes, who teamed up to decure investment to the tune of £610,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Local activist Alice McCaughey, who has led the project for the last three years, is thrilled the gardens are finally open.

She said: “The opening went brilliantly and there was a great turnout.

“People came along who live in the area and folk who used to live there came back to see how it’s changed.” BCA treasurer Sadie Martin, who has lived in John Street for 47 years, was given the honour of cutting the ribbon for being an ‘unsung hero’ behind the scenes of the project.

To mark the opening, there was a whole host of activities to enjoy, such as the bouncy castle, bungee run, facepainting and a disco plus street artists, ‘animal man’, a nail bar and food and drink.

There were also displays of old and new photos of Belville Street, the high rise flats and the east end as well as Tai Chi taster sessions, Highland dancing from Linda Jackson’s School of Dance and an impromptu karaoke chorus led by Provost Robert Moran. Alice, who is a member of the BCA and former chair of the group, said: “The provost really excelled himself. He gave us a song and entertained the crowds with a rendition of Kingston Town by UB40.

“I’ve known him for 20 years but never knew he could sing! He’s got a good voice and he was a good sport.” Provost Moran, who was among the invited guests and helped open the gardens, said: “They called my bluff with the singing and there was nowhere to hide!

“It was a fantastic day, because it’s been driven by the community. This is community ownership at its best and the gardens will get bigger and better.” New chair of the BCA, Heather Houston, was also thrilled with the grand opening, which was co-ordinated by community garden officer Janet Colston, from River Clyde Homes.

She said: “It was a real success with a lot of different people there.

“There was a lot of interest from community groups in the planters.” Planters at the community gardens cost just £5 a year and this includes a starter pack and seeds.

For more information call Janet Colston on 788809.

See today's Tele for full pictures.