A petition has been launched to save a public park in Shotts from redevelopment.
The Benhar and Kirk Road Group has launched the public petition in a bid to save the Vics Park on Benhar Road.
The group believe the park is vital to protect greenspace in the town and is well used by several groups.
The petition states: “In 2021 North Lanarkshire Council presented a vision for a new town centre in Shotts.
“This vision includes the development of the Vics Park on Benhar Road into a mixture of small scale retail units and housing.
“This would result in loss of much valued green space and an area of local history.
“There are 75 matures trees in this area which an abundance of birds thrive in.
“Well established exercise and relaxation space would be lost. North Lanarkshire Council have conducted one consultation with the public on this town centre vision using only an online method for this.
“They asked very restrictive questions. We believe this is not sufficient for the magnitude of this development.
“The council are taking this to committee on September 30 for approval.
“At this time they do not plan any further public consultation. The public need to speak up now for their views to be heard.”
The group added that North Lanarkshire Council have already granted planning for extensive housing developments in the area and extensive development has already resulted in a loss of green space with an increased population.
The petition adds: “This affects all residents of Shotts and anyone else who visits the area.
“If you dispute the development of Vics Park then take this opportunity for your views to count and sign this petition which we will present to North Lanarkshire Council.”
So far around 200 people have signed on to save the park.
A council spokesperson said: “The town visions are long-term plans to help re-shape North Lanarkshire’s eight town centres, and the consultations held earlier this year were a starting point for discussion with communities.
“No detailed plans have been drawn up, and there will be more opportunities for the community to work with the council to support the future development and delivery of the vision.
“The idea for Vics Park is simply that, an idea which will be considered along with a number of other possible options for Shotts over the months and years ahead.”
