FRIENDS of Huntly Park have shared their “delight” after councillors unanimously approved a motion to secure Fields in Trust protection for the much-loved greenspace.

The Giffnock community group have previously been concerned due to the threat of houses being built on the site.

For around four years, Friends of Huntly Park (FoHP) have been working with their membership, which has grown to around 1000, to protect and promote the park in ways that ensures its continued use.

Their aim when starting up was to secure Fields in Trust status for the park. East Renfrewshire councillors have now approved a motion for officers to secure this.

Kirsty Duncan, one of the administrators of the group, said: “It’s brilliant that the council have now agreed to apply for protection.

“Protection from Fields in Trust means that the park will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. It means that it will be extremely difficult for any developer to develop on the park.

Huntly Park

Huntly Park

“It’s absolutely amazing and a fantastic result for FoHP and for the local community because the park is such an important greenspace, especially during lockdown.

“But not just during lockdown, for all other times as well. It’s really important for all the local football teams, it’s just been so lovely in the last few weeks to see the football pitches back in action.

“It’s nice to see a bit of normality again.”