Council to create safe ‘Space for People’ in East Renfrewshire

Funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans, Spaces for People will help people practice safe physical distancing with ‘pop-up’ walking and cycling routes and other temporary response measures.

Those who live, work and visit East Renfrewshire will also be able to give their views on issues and where they think the greatest need is required to enable residents to safely walk, cycle and wheel for essential journeys or exercise and avoid unnecessary journeys by car.

In partnership with Sustrans, the public can have their say on Commonplace, an online community consultation platform, where they can help to identify locations that may need measures to help people get about safely during COVID-19.

The Council will also use the platform to share information about proposed temporary measures planned in the area and to receive feedback as plans progress.

Environment Convener, Councillor Alan Lafferty, said: “This challenging time we are all experiencing makes us thankful for the great parks and public spaces we have here in East Renfrewshire, but as we see more people take to our streets and leave the car at home, it has highlighted areas where improved space for social distancing is needed.

“The feedback gathered will help protect public health, support physical distancing, and mitigate a possible second wave of the outbreak. I would encourage anyone who can, to let us know what they think and help our team put in place effective measures.”

Karen McGregor, Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “It’s clear that people across Scotland want to do the right thing during Coronavirus. They want to look after their physical and mental health.

“They also want to make sure that they are keeping to physical distancing guidelines while still being safe on our streets.

“Providing funding support to East Renfrewshire Council through our Spaces for People programme will make it easier and safer for people to travel for essential travel and exercise.”

Commonplace can be found here