The community have been urged to get in touch with the association with their ideas of what they would like to see in the garden and whether they agree with the proposed site.

The proposal is that local nursery and primary schools will use the garden and everyone be involved with the design and the development. The residents group are working in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Involvement in Neighbourhoods project and once residents have been consulted, applications for funding can begin.

Harry McCormack, chair of the Tullichewan Tenants Association, told the Reporter: “When the new committee of the association was elected last September, we looked at options on how to improve the community of Tullichewan.

“From discussions at meetings at public and committee level, it was proposed that a community garden would be introduced at the old gravel park site, now grassed, in Bannachra Crescent. Our committee named member and garden enthusiast James Ramage as the project proposal lead.” The proposed community garden has had many suggestions already so far that would involve everyone in the community from all ages. The suggestions include allotments, children’s play area, a dog walking area, flower beds, benches, trees and – in the long-term – a community centre. Harry said all other ideas will be considered.

He added: “The project proposal and subsequent consultation period has been supported by the Greenspace department at West Dunbartonshire Council. Linda Adam, Community Greenspace Officer has been assisted us at public meetings and at committee level.” The public consultation, a questionnaire, has been delivered to all addresses in Tullichewan on February 12 with a deadline for reply on February 27. All residents were provided with an information letter and the committee are happy for residents own ideas and suggestions. With a pre-paid envelope, all replies could be sent by post to WDC Greenspace at Elm Road, Dumbarton or simply posted through the letter box at the Community Flat at 2/1 McGregor Walk, Tullichewan.

Harry said consultation emails have also been sent to the head teachers of the following schools: Levendale Primary School, Christie Park Primary School, St Kessog’s Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Carousel Nursery, Ferryfield Nursery, and Jamestown Nursery.

Tullichewan resident Alan Nisbet said: “The old gravel pitch used to be the focal point of Tully when I was younger. I played football there nearly every day and so did all my pals, it was always busy.

“But the council never bothered maintaining it, it ended up in a right state, and it’s basically just been a big open grass space for years now, serving no purpose.

“I think the expectation was that more houses would end up being built there, and I’m sure most people in living around here would be against that.

“So it’s good to see that Tullichewan Tenants and Residents’ Association is taking the lead to make use of the area.

“A community garden is definitely a decent option, but I’ve not totally made my mind up on what I’d like to see there.”