Dear Friend of Huntly Park,
We saved Huntly Park. After many years of talk, we just did it. The timing before the Scottish Parliament election was perfect (and not an accident!). We made Huntly Park a big election issue and got what was required for our community. That's democracy in action.
We are looking to transform the pavilion into a resource for the whole community, to include dog walkers and people who just need a little time out. We want meadow flowers and all weather fitness equipment. If that sounds demanding, I make no apology. But with rights and demands come responsibilities. We need to show that we care first. Keeping Huntly Park pristine is a good way of doing that.
The big issue facing community litter collection is: what to do with the bags? Having shifted hundreds of bags of litter throughout Giffnock and Thornliebank, I should know by now. I have used my own bins and I have used council bins. Some businesses have let me use their bins. However, a permanent solution is required if we as a community are going to collect with confidence.
I am coordinating directly with East Renfrewshire Council. Bags are to be left in agreed places next to bins and a notification is to be sent to the relevant Council officer.
There is still an issue: wildlife can make a mess. I have asked for a simple solution (suggested by my dad, the former provost): that a cage in all local parks be erected for volunteers to drop bags in at the weekend. It could be surrounded by bushes and not be an eyesore. It would be accessible by code to prevent abuse of the facility.
Making our area the best it can be isn't complicated. A little effort and pulling together as a community goes a long way. I will keep you posted.
Best wishes,
Allan