Drymen Show – thank you!
The Drymen Show was the perfect opportunity for the LIVE Park team to speak to a wider range of the Park‘s communities and those who visit regularly – either because they live close to the Park or visiting from further afield. With such good weather, it didn’t disappoint and it was busy!
We gave out lots of our LIVE Park mini information cards – did you get one?
If you didn’t manage along here’s a brief summary of some of the main points that were raised or discussed. If you did speak with Thom, Martin or Stuart let us knowif you think we’ve got it right, or indeed if we’ve missed anything.
Paths
It was clear that the existing path network in our towns and villages – and where these link with others (West Highland Way, National Cycle Route 7, Rob Roy Way) are important assets. It was clear from what you said that these need to be maintained, with some stretches needing attention, but also that the network should be extended. A lot of folk were keen to see more mountain bike trails and better supporting facilities. ‘We shouldn’t have to drive to Glentress or Speyside!’ was amongst some of the feedback we heard.
Services and amenities
Shops, play parks, car parks, schools, nurseries, health care and public transport were some of the services and amenities that were mentioned that need improved or to be provided. You told us that you felt that these should be addressed to improve the quality of life for communities. One example was that Callander needed a new supermarket with car parking (planning permission was approved for a site on Stirling Road by our Planning & Access Committee in 2012 but as yet it has not progressed). Planning, and LIVE Park can help with some of this where it relates to new development but there are other key local government players that need to look at these points.
Housing
Generally, there was support for new affordable housing in Drymen, Croftamie, Gartocharn and Balloch. There were fewer who felt there wasn’t the need, highlighting there was little in the way of services to support it in some of these communities. For example, with a now reduced bus service to Croftamie, it means those without a car are less mobile. Making sure new housing was of good quality, design, density and respected the layout and views of existing houses was also stressed. You told us you feel it’s important to safeguard the character of Drymen – this I something that was stressed to us at last year’s Charrette events.
So, did we capture what you told us at the Drymen Show? Is there anything else you’d like to add or amend? Let us know!
Get involved!
There are more opportunities to come and talk to the LIVE Park team this week – it’s going to be a busy week!
On Monday (2nd June) we’re looking forward to going along to the Hermitage Academy to work with pupils from secondary schools in Helensburgh, Callander and Dumbarton to help them to bring to life their vision of what they want to see their communities look like in the future (with the help of Planning Aid Scotland and our Young Placemakers).
On Tuesday (3rd June), we’re looking forward to the drop-in in Drymenand speaking at the Community Council afterwards.
On Wednesday (4th June) we will speaking at the Gartmore Community Council meeting followed by a drop-in event at the Fire Station in Callander on Thursday evening (5th June).
New drop-in events have been arranged for the following week in Luss and Killin. Keep an eye on the community page of our website for more opportunities to come along and have your say.
Thanks again to everyone who’s got involved so far. It’s important that as many people as possible have their say. Remember you can get send your feedback at any time, night or day.
Until our next blog, thanks, and stay in touch via Facebook and Twitter.