Viewpark Glen plan gets the backing of MSP

Central Scotland member John Wilson met Viewpark Conservation Group stalwarts Grace and Tom McNeill to learn more about the bid to save the site from development and preserve it for the use of the wider community.

The group says that as well as being popular for walking and other outdoor pursuits such as angling, the glen contains areas of historical and architectural importance. It wants to improve access for the community.

In recent years campaigners have protested at the expansion of adjoining Strathclyde Business Park into the glen. There was anger at the loss of woodland to allow the construction of offices by Fusion Assets, a company set up by North Lanarkshire Council.

Now Mr Wilson wants future development put on hold and has written to Scottish Government Communities Secretary Alex Neil.

Mr Wilson said: “It is important that we preserve areas of greenbelt within residential areas for use by our communities and I fully support Viewpark Conservation Group in their bid for a community buyout.

“I have written to Alex Neil to ascertain the Government’s position on the issue. I have also asked if he will ensure no further development goes ahead in the glen until the community has the opportunity to progress its buyout plans.”