EXTRA car parking spaces have been created at a train station in a commuter town after land was bought from a local football team. 

Barrhead's main transport hub will benefit from an additional 50 places following a £600,000 investment in a lot once used by Arthurlie FC as a training pitch. 

It's hoped the new car park - which was completed in November last year courtesy of money from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) - will reduce congestion and on-street parking in surrounding streets.

East Renfrewshire Council leader Tony Buchanan said: “We are delighted to have secured this significant amount of funding from SPT which has allowed us to supplement the well-used park and ride facility at Barrhead train station.

Glasgow Times: Tony Buchanan praised the move Tony Buchanan praised the move

"Existing park and ride at this location was very popular and there was demand for additional space from local residents so I am pleased more of the local community are able to benefit from this facility when commuting.

"It is an added bonus that we have been able to support our local Junior Football club as part of the project.” 

Situated to the west of Dunterlie Park, home of the Lie, off Carlibar Road, the car park was completed in November 2020 and has environmentally beneficial sustainable urban drainage systems installed.

SPT chair councillor Dr Martin Bartos, who represents Partick East/Kelvindale in Glasgow, said: “Building upon the success of the existing facility, SPT is delighted to support this increase in the number of Park and Ride spaces in Barrhead, which will bring added benefits for users of local rail services.

"Park and ride facilities offer a more sustainable travel choice for people, and this increased capacity will help encourage more people to switch to rail, reducing the need for longer car journeys.

Glasgow Times: Dunterlie Park, the home of Arthurlie Dunterlie Park, the home of Arthurlie

“We are also proud, as part of this project, to have funded electric vehicle charging points.

"This will help support the essential switch to electric cars away from greenhouse gas emitting vehicles and make things easier for the growing number of people and businesses taking that step.”