BALLOCH Country Park could be receiving a breath of fresh air if members of the local community council have anything to say about it.

After seeing many areas of the park become increasingly unsightly, members of Balloch and Haldane Community Council (BHCC) decided more should be done to improve the park. Now, and independent group will be set up to help maintain the park.

Though the plans are still in very early stages Gillian Clark and Jan Shields, from BHCC, have begun talks with West Dunbartonshire Council about setting up public consultation and administration.

Gillian told the Reporter: “Jan and I are in the early stages of setting up a Friends group, supported by West Dunbartonshire Council, similar to the Friends of Levengrove Park to work alongside WDC to improve Balloch Castle Country Park.

“We are currently trying to set up a database of interested parties who will then be invited to a public meeting. We will be conducting a survey of visitors to the park, schools and local organisations to find out what they would like done in the park.

“Once a committee is set up we will be looking to access funding for improvements to the park.

Murdoch Cameron, BHCC chair, added: “The park is a great asset to the community and we think a group similar to what Levengrove has would be a great help. We’re looking for the same structure and it’ll be independent of the community council.

“We want to create a self-supported, community-led project that anyone who wants to join in can come along and help out.”

Gillian and Jan have thanked the council for what they have done so far for the park.

Lomond councillor Jonathan McColl expressed his support for the project saying: “I think it’s a wonderful idea. I was very lucky to grow up with Balloch Park practically on my doorstep.

“As a kid, it was like having a huge back garden to play in with my friends.

“I’m happy to support anyone who wants to protect and develop Balloch Park as a safe and fun place for families to spend time and enjoy being outside.”

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “The council has agreed to assist the community council and work with the group to benefit Balloch Park.”

If you want to have some input on the project you can contact Eileen O’Hare of West Dunbartonshire Council at eileen.o’hare@west-dunbartonshire.co.uk; 01389 608408 or 07805 809 883.

Eileen is collating a data base of interested parties who will be invited to a public meeting.