Residents have just under a week left to vote for Balloch Park to receive a huge funding boost.
The Balloch Castle Country Park Regeneration Group (BCACPRG) was set up earlier this year by a passionate group of local volunteers who are users and enthusiasts of the park, and keen to safeguard its future.
Attracting more than one million visitors a year, the group is focused on boosting the facilities on offer in the park, with a purposeful use of the castle and stable block, accessible toilets, a cafe and educational facilities all aims.
And they have now submitted a bid to the Riverwoods Pioneers for funding of up to £125,000, which would go towards projects that support nature restoration - with a particular emphasis on community engagement and collaboration.
The funding application works on a step-by-step basis, depending on levels of public support to push the application up to the next level.
Two finalists will compete for £125,000 that will kick start environmental regeneration planning and work.
Maurice Donohue from the BCACPRG said: “Our survey recognised the need for the regeneration of the natural environment, for a purposeful use of the castle, and stable block, accessible toilets, a cafe or two and educational facilities.
“The count showed an increase of at least 50 percent in visitor numbers since the last official count in 2003. The visitor number is now close to one million people per annum.
“Balloch Castle Country Park is bordered by Loch Lomond and the River Leven. There are concerns about pollution into the River Leven from abandoned boats, there are also huge issues with the spread of invasive species within the park, this needs to be tackled to give the native species an opportunity to thrive.
“The Burn of Balloch that flows through the park requires to be cleared, cleaned and for the trees to be maintained with a revitalised planting program of indigenous species.”
West Dunbartonshire Council’s deputy leader Councillor Michelle McGinty said: “The council has spent millions of pounds in the park over the years but as the castle isn’t occupied, it can fall into a state of disrepair over time.
“There are other buildings which are not used to their maximum like the stable block and the former Café Connect at the boat shed.
“If successful, the regeneration group would get an opportunity to explore a number of enhancements which preserves the country park for future generations.
“It’s vital that any regeneration of Balloch Castle Country Park has to be good for the local community.”
Residents have until November 29 to support the application by visiting: riverwoodspioneers.communitychoices.scot/budgets/1/investments/3.
