Dear fellow friend of Huntly Park,
First up: a very big thank you to the admins of the local Facebook groups who have been assisting in promoting our community petition. This task would be impossible without you. You are true friends and allies of Huntly Park; without you, we would not be building the momentum. Not all local Facebook group admins allow the petition to be shared, which is absolutely their right. I'm going to keep this positive at all times; my factual point is that support for the petition is by no means guaranteed, even in Giffnock (that balances out, as I have identified pockets of support in Hong Kong and New York!). This all means that a little extra effort is required.
I am pledging to give my all to secure assurances that Huntly Park will only ever be used as a park for our community (and our visitors) to enjoy. My own progressive political affiliations are known, but, like my dad who used to represent the area as councillor and provost, community will always come first. That's how I was brought up. I believe in localism and the empowerment of communities. Credit for success when it comes (I am not prepared to take about 'ifs') will belong solely to all the many friends of Huntly Park in Giffnock and beyond. No one individual or group of people can win local issues - only a united community acting as one can (respectful always of opposing views).
It would break my heart to see the park go and I know that sentiment is felt by scores, if not hundreds, as I read the feedback. I will fight this with the tenacity I use for clients. I don't give up and I don't seek to be popular; people either agree or disagree. All I am asking just now is that you give a little nudge to someone and ask if they have signed it. Just one person. We are on our way to 900, which is a good start. But I am under no illusion: a petition is just a start.
Best wishes,
Allan