A community organisation are delighted that their campaign for sports infrastructure has resulted in a win for local kids.
Two new multi-purpose posts - which feature goals and basketball hoops - have been installed in a section of the greenspace on Bannachra Crescent in Tullichewan, thanks to Time for Tully.
It was down to the group's proactive meetings with local councillors and West Dunbartonshire Council's greenspace team which means residents of Tullichewan can now enjoy football, and practising shooting hoops on their doorstep.
Goalposts were originally requested by Tullichewan residents in 2022, through a Facebook poll asking for suggestions of improvements to the area that children could enjoy.
The top suggestion was for goals or a football pitch, as the blaze pitch which had previously stood in the Bannachra Crescent green space had been turfed over some years ago.
As part of the process, Time for Tully also lettered houses which directly surround the goals, asking if they would welcome or reject the idea of goals on part of the grass space.
Nicola Snedden, chairperson at Time for Tully, said: “We are so delighted to finally see the goals in place, the multi-purpose posts are more than we originally could have hoped for.
“The aim of Time for Tully is to try and give the kids of Tullichewan the services and equipment they deserve. Short of playparks for younger children, there’s not much here for the kids and youth of Tully, and we aim to change that.”
Another set of goals resides at the other end of Tullichewan, however, these are full-sized and on the pitch that is utilised by local football teams for a significant proportion of the year.
Hazell Sorrell, councillor for Lomond Ward, said: “It has been great to work with Time for Tully to reinstate sports equipment in Bannachra Crescent. After the isolation of Covid, it’s important to see kids coming together and playing outside in the area.
“The multi-purpose posts give the kids a focus and something to do – and as they are in an open space they are accessible all year round for free.”
Time for Tully worked closely with local councillors and greenspace to deliver the project.
Councillor David McBride, convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “The council recognises the importance of recreational areas and the positive impacts these have on our residents’ health and wellbeing.
“Well done to the Greenspace team who have worked with the community to ensure that this will be a well-utilised open space for many years to come.”
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