Inspiring volunteer brings forgotten underpass back to life

An inspiring volunteer has transformed an abandoned underpass into a friendly, woodland-themed pathway for the local community.

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 24 August 2018 11:51

The underpass had fallen into disrepair with broken glass and graffiti causing locals to abandon the route and there were repeated reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Gail Scoular decided to take matters into her own hands to ensure the area of Spateston would be safe and welcoming for her fellow residents.

Gail said: “Working as a Senior Warden, I saw we were having numerous complaints about the area through fires being set and it being used as a drinking den.

“I knew that local residents were avoiding the area and having to cross a busy road instead of using the underpass, so I decided to do something about it to make my community better.

“In my own time, I contacted the council, local businesses and my local area committee to request help and I was delighted to be supported to carry out this project.”

The Community Payback Team painted the underpass into a woodland theme as a nod to Spateston’s past before houses were built in the area and have made it a bright, welcoming place for young and old alike.

New lighting has also been installed by the Street Lighting Team to improve visibility and ensure the safety of residents.

£1000 was kindly donated towards the project by Persimmons Homes, the Johnstone and the Villages Local Area Committee awarded £600 and local company Finco donated three waste bins to be used in the area.

Gail added: “The funding allowed a lot of work to take place to bring the underpass back into a clean, safe place for people to use.

“I have to thank everyone who helped out in different ways to make this a reality including different departments within the council and local businesses.

“I’m so proud of the transformation and it just shows what can be achieved with a little determination and a desire to make the area where you live a better place.”

Since the underpass was transformed, there has been no further graffiti or instances of anti-social behaviour reported in the area.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “What a fantastic example of community spirit this project has been and one that shows what our Team Up to Clean Up campaign is all about.

“Gail’s desire to make a difference to her community is inspiring and she has managed to bring an area which locals had been uneasy to use back to the community.

“My thanks go to Gail and all the volunteers and partners who made this positive change possible.”

The Team Up to Clean Up campaign has been allocated £2.5million over the next five years to make a difference to the local environment in Renfrewshire.

The campaign aims to make the area a brighter, more attractive place to live, work and visit and is working to change the behaviour of those in Renfrewshire who fail to take care of their community.

An enhanced programme of operational activity is underway to clean gullies, sweep the roads and repair the roads infrastructure and this is being supplemented through the support of local communities to carry out clean ups within their area.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

ACCORD Hospice Art Exhibition Returns to The Art Department in Paisley

ACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Hundreds of Renfrewshire kids enjoy school holiday camps

During the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

Runners get on their marks as the Paisley 10k and Fun Run launches

The Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.

Call for volunteers to help restore riverbanks

Environmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.

Have some fun this Spring in Paisley town centre!

Paisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

Renfrewshire Provost rewards inspirational community members

Renfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

Learning and Cultural Hub wins national award

Paisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.

Hop along to Cardwell Garden Centre for some Easter Weekend fun

The Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

Paisley Museum and Kairos Women+ win big at the Smiley Charity Film Awards

Groups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

Saturday Winter Connections event in Paisley bringing people together

Dozens of people gathered together for a song and a chat at a Saturday Get-Together event in the Methodist Central Hall, Paisley.

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

Paisley Museum succeeds in major global competition to win prestigious international award

The refurbishment of Paisley Museum has won a prestigious international award, recognising the significant role the project is playing in the town and wider region’s cultural regeneration.

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley

Inspiring volunteer brings forgotten underpass back to life

An inspiring volunteer has transformed an abandoned underpass into a friendly, woodland-themed pathway for the local community.

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings