By Stuart McFarlane

PLANS for the introduction of new outdoor recreational equipment at Dillichip Park in Bonhill are to be put to a full public meeting.

The project to install the equipment is due to cost £100,000 and is aimed at providing activities and greater play facilities for teenagers in the area. 

It will be added to further plans released by West Dunbartonshire Council to build a skate park at the Dillichip site.

The planned location and precise equipment to be introduced is being consulted on in the area, with local schools and youth groups involved in the discussion process.

The issue of a lack of consultation was raised at a recent community council meeting in Bonhill, where West Dunbartonshire Council’s community engagement ranger Sandra Anton outlined the proposals to local residents and members.

At the meeting, issues over “raised expectations” and the condition of Dillichip Park in winter months were raised.

Following the meeting, Janice Ross, chairwoman of Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council told the Reporter: “In regards to the proposal for a recreational park for teenagers in Dillichip Park, we support it in principle and feel that play facilities for young people is something that is lacking in our area.

“Our main concern was that a proper and fulsome consultation with the community took place.”

Concerns were raised over the community having an adequate voice in discussions over the plans, with a previous consultation over the introduction of a £140,000 playpark on the site of the former St Ronan’s Chapel in Ladyton.

However, a West Dunbartonshire spokesman confirmed that a meeting on the plans was due to be held his summer.

He said: “Funding of £100,000 has been allocated for an activity area in Bonhill specifically aimed at teenagers, with Dillichip Park having been identified as the preferred site. 

“Consultation meetings with Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council, police and local teenagers have taken place and we plan to hold a full public meeting in early June.”

The Dillichip plans are part of a £3.2m investment programme announced by the council last September to develop new play areas at 23 sites across the region, including the recent announcement of a consultation over plans over the future of Inler Park in Haldane, alongside other proposed developments in Tullichewan and Dumbarton Common.

Announcing the investment last September, Councillor Patrick McGlinchey said: “We’re building a better West Dunbartonshire and alongside large developments such as new schools, we’re also Improving the environment in our communities through smaller scale developments.

“The play areas and sports pitches help foster a sense of pride and of place.

“We’ve already invested significant funding in these types of projects, we know how popular these developments are with our families, and that’s why we’re determined to create even more.”