Dozens of residents turn out to have their say on new Auchinairn community facility

Over 70 people attended a drop-in event in Auchinairn Primary School where they were able to talk to representatives from the Council and the architect about what they want to see in the new facility for Auchinairn.

Residents, pupils, parents, nursery staff, clubs and existing users of the community centre had their say on which groups will need to be catered for both now and in the future.

Following on from consultation undertaken earlier in the year through which community members expressed support for a proposed partnership, representatives from Glasgow City Foundation - a charitable foundation linked to Glasgow City Football Club (Scotland?s most successful women’s football team) - were also at the event to explore the potential to integrate a new football facility alongside the proposed new community facility for the area.

Feedback from the local community will now be considered and will help play an important part in informing the design.

A further event will take place in the near future where the architect’s initial drawings can be viewed and a more detailed discussion can take place.

Councillor Rhondda Geekie, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “The Council is keen to engage with as many people and community groups as possible throughout the process of making this facility a reality and it’s encouraging to hear that there was such a good attendance at this event.

“All views will form part of our decision-making and this is just the initial stage in what will be an ongoing dialogue with the community to make this facility the best it can be for Auchinairn.”

At the event a large number of people signed up to be kept informed about the process and from this it is hoped a community reference group can be formed.

Natalie Davidson, from Auchinairn, was one of a number of residents who attended the event.

She said: “I’ve got one child in nursery and another one who is going soon so it was nice to find out what is planned and how it will benefit the children.

“Coming along to the session has been really useful and it was good to have a say and try to influence what will be in the new facility and how it will look like.”

Stuart Frame, who runs a karate club in Auchinairn Community Centre added: “We want the club to remain in the community and it would be great if we can get in to the new facility.

“It was important that the club was represented at the event and it was great to speak to people about what could happen in the new facility.”