Published Eastwood Extra On Line -

By Paul Drury Published: 10:54 Wednesday 12 December 2018

East Renfrewshire Council is facing a war on all fronts over its plans to gobble up acres of green space within its boundaries.

A new alliance has been formed to campaign against a series of proposals which threaten parks, playgrounds and open spaces.

‘Keep East Ren Green’ is the new umbrella body which will give a voice to those fighting:

·The appointment of Advance Construction Scotland as a council partner in moves the build a £112 million housing development at Braidbar Quarry in Giffnock

· Plans to use the playground at Busby Primary School to build a new nursery building.

· The possible relocation of the swimming baths at Eastwood Park to Shawwood or Broompark in Newton Mearns.

Cindy Berry, chair of the new group, said:

”People in East Ren are slow to anger but we are detecting huge opposition to this council’s policy of building anywhere and everywhere.

“It’s felt that we can do more by joining together and letting the councillors feel the weight of opposition.”

The new organisation’s first objective is to protest at East Ren’s next full council meeting in Eastwood Park next Wednesday, December 19.

Added Ms Berry: “We are meeting outside the council building at 6.30pm.

It is vital that anyone concerned about these developments makes their voice heard when the councillors arrive.

“Our elected representatives must sit up and take notice that these plans are not welcomed by the electorate.”

She said other organisations are welcome to join the group, which will also highlight fears over the loss of parkland at Crookfur in Newton Mearns for a new pavilion.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “We are absolutely committed to making the area one the most desirable in Scotland for people to live in, work in and visit.

“A key part of this is providing quality green spaces for residents to enjoy and we will continue to deliver in this area.”