£450k Inverclyde regional park upgrades
FACILITIES at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park sites in Inverclyde are set for upgrades totalling almost £450,000.
The investment from the council comes after it took over the reins of the local parts of the regional park – the largest in Scotland – and the associated ranger service.
Now £250k of funding has been approved to enhance the existing facilities at the Greenock Cut (Cornalees) and Lunderston Bay in Gourock.
The figure includes a £72k grant from national body NatureScot, which was formerly known as Scottish Natural Heritage.
The council is spending a further £195k on a new children’s play park at Lunderston Bay to enhance what is already a popular Inverclyde visitor attraction.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “We’re fortunate to have so many incredible outdoor spaces in Inverclyde and The Cut and Lunderston Bay are jewels in the crown, supported by such an enthusiastic and passionate team of rangers.
“The council’s planned investment in our Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park sites will enhance the existing facilities, routes and infrastructure to encourage more people to enjoy the great outdoors and promote physical activity to support healthier lifestyles.
“It’s also part of our ongoing efforts to make Inverclyde a visitor destination and what better way to start to discover the area than with a trip to Lunderston Bay or The Cut.”
Following a reorganisation of the regional park, which used to be jointly controlled by neighbouring local authorities, the Inverclyde parts of Clyde Muirshiel and local staff, including the rangers, transferred to the council earlier this year.
Now investment is planned to enhance existing facilities at Lunderston Bay, Cornalees and path infrastructure to promote physical activity and healthy pastimes.
Improvements across both sites will include new signage, doors, picnic tables and bins, redecoration inside and out, roof repairs, upgrades to visitor toilets and enhanced security.
Mike Holcombe, senior Inverclyde Council ranger for Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, said: “The support we’ve received from the council since we joined earlier this year has been brilliant and that’s underlined by the funding that’s been allocated towards improving the Inverclyde parts of the park which are arguably the best in the whole of Clyde Muirshiel.
“We’re so lucky to have stunning countryside here at The Cut in such close proximity to a first-class beach at Lunderston Bay and all the wildlife, sea life and views that come with both.
“It’s great to be back open for business, so to speak, and to see so many new and familiar faces utilising these wonderful, natural assets, we have here in Inverclyde following the events of the last 18 months.”
The rangers led several events and activities as part of the council’s Summer of Fun 21 programme during the school holidays.
For more information about Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and upcoming events, visit www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk and find out more about what Inverclyde has to offer at www.discoverinverclyde.com.