A community empowerment campaign in Renfrewshire has been hailed by a local resident after it turned his idea for new benches and a path into reality.

Derek Prentice has lived locally in Bishopton for the past 20 years and, when not playing guitar or walking his beloved Sheltie dogs, he takes a keen interest in his local community.

Having heard about Renfrewshire Council’s #YouDecide campaign, Derek submitted the idea for a new path and benches to be added to Ferry Road in Bishopton and following a vote by local people, his idea was successful.

It’s now been completed as one of the 50 successful projects to be delivered as part of the campaign, and has had additional planters added too which were kindly donated by Finco.

Derek said: “#YouDecide is fantastic way of giving anyone in the community an opportunity to make their ideas come true.

“I’m delighted to see this area enhanced as it really needed a path to the seated areas and I anticipate the space will now be used more by wheelchair users and families with prams.

“I think it’s essential that folks that live in the community have a chance to make some environmental differences for the benefit of everyone, and I’m aware of many other proposed improvements in the area thanks to #YouDecide which can only be a positive step.”

A community empowerment campaign in Renfrewshire has been hailed by a local resident after it turned his idea for new benches and a path into reality.

Derek Prentice has lived locally in Bishopton for the past 20 years and, when not playing guitar or walking his beloved Sheltie dogs, he takes a keen interest in his local community.

Having heard about Renfrewshire Council’s #YouDecide campaign, Derek submitted the idea for a new path and benches to be added to Ferry Road in Bishopton and following a vote by local people, his idea was successful.

It’s now been completed as one of the 50 successful projects to be delivered as part of the campaign, and has had additional planters added too which were kindly donated by Finco.

Derek said: “#YouDecide is fantastic way of giving anyone in the community an opportunity to make their ideas come true.

“I’m delighted to see this area enhanced as it really needed a path to the seated areas and I anticipate the space will now be used more by wheelchair users and families with prams.

“I think it’s essential that folks that live in the community have a chance to make some environmental differences for the benefit of everyone, and I’m aware of many other proposed improvements in the area thanks to #YouDecide which can only be a positive step.”

Headline photo: (left to right): Austin Reid from Finco contracts who carried out the work and donated the planters; Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board; Bishopton resident Derek Prentice
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council

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