Campaigners have hit out over future plans to develop a historic estate in Bo'ness, and accused Falkirk Council of having "no plans" and "no vision". Members of the group Friends of Kinneil had been hoping to see more action taken to implement the Bo’ness park’s ten-year masterplan, which runs out in 2025.
But while councillors agreed to review progress last year, the now disbanded Falkirk Community Trust was not able to produce a report in time. Members of Falkirk Council's executive heard this week that it makes more sense to look at the future of the 200-acre Bo’ness site alongside that of Callendar Park, Helix Park and Muiravonside Country Park, all of which were previously managed by the Trust.
Councillors heard that creating masterplans and bidding for lottery funds takes time and money so officers are suggesting dealing with Callendar Park, then Muiravonside and then Kinneil Estate. Following the decision, a spokesperson for the Friends of Kinneil said they were "dismayed" the report had been agreed.
The spokesperson said: "Councillors across all parties had asked officers to report with definite plans for Kinneil Estate including options for a potential Heritage Lottery bid. Today, the councillors on this committee, across parties, approved a report which contains no such plans, no vision, and no clear commitment to the main remaining objectives which have failed to be progressed from the existing Masterplan 2015-25.
"The decision effectively also then puts Kinneil Estate back to the end of the queue for any further planning for major development, external fundraising or investment.
"Not a single councillor on the Executive opposed these proposals, not even from the SNP administration, whose recent local election manifesto for the Falkirk area specifically promised: ' We want to harness the potential of tourism. The delivery of an updated Kinneil Masterplan will ensure that the Bo'ness site, with 2,000 years of history, is a shining example of how we celebrate our heritage '".
Councillor Paul Garner, depute leader of the SNP Group and economic development portfolio holder, commented on the criticism, saying: “The decision taken at the meeting of Falkirk Council’s Executive committee agrees to renew the strategic plans for four of Falkirk district’s great open spaces, including Kinneil Estate.
"Officers are currently working towards a multi-year lease with Sustainable Thinking Scotland CIC in Kinneil Walled Garden which will allow them to continue their ground-breaking environmental work while continuing to provide vital support to communities by growing and providing good food to foodbanks and pantries in Bo’ness and across the district.
“Kinneil Estate has a masterplan in place, running until 2025. Given that the management plans for Muiravonside and Callander Parks both expired in 2020, it is right that the decision was taken to also renew these plans. It is also right that we take time to work with the communities of Bo’ness, and stakeholders involved to build a plan we can all be proud of and work together to deliver it successfully.
“Over the pandemic the importance of our parks and open spaces was made abundantly clear and our SNP manifesto committed to updating the Kinneil Masterplan. The decision of the Executive underpins that commitment only five months into the new term of this Council. Our manifesto is a five-year ambition for every part of the district, and we will work tirelessly to achieve what we set out to deliver.”
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