A CAMPAIGN which has been set up to try and safeguard Tullibody’s public park from development is gathering momentum, writes Ashleigh Burns.

Save Tullibody Public Park was created to give local residents a voice, in response to Clackmannanshire Council’s informal consultation on plans to establish a new school on the green space.

Through dedicated Facebook and Twitter pages it has been generating discussion and a petition against building on the park has garnered more than 1208 signatures to date.

Now, a public meeting has been planned for next week to allow the community to air their views, which organisers are hoping the county’s councillors will attend.

One local resident behind the campaign, Pauline Macnaughtan, feels the park is at the “heart of the town”.

As a parent, she welcomes the idea of a new school, but doesn’t think it should mean the loss of the much-used green space.

She was motivated to get involved to ensure everyone is aware of what is happening – and is urging the council to re-consider alternative sites.

She said: “The campaign is our way of trying to promote public awareness about the new school proposals and encourage discussions with the council in order to find an alternative solution that will save our park from development.

“Our local green space is vital to our community promoting relaxation, recreation and play. Any plans to take away our park must be re-considered.

“I fully agree with the proposal to build a new school in the hope that we can offer the best opportunities for our children and the community but I would like to hope that this can be done without the loss of our valuable green space.

“I hope that we can get enough people involved to get a good feel for what Tullibody really wants. Many of these projects go through this whole process unnoticed by the general public although it can affect them greatly.

“I hope to get as many people as possible aware of the council’s proposals so they have the chance to have their opinions heard and their questions answered – before it’s too late.” The local authority is currently carrying out an informal consultation on three options: -Building a new Abercromby Primary School on a new site with associated community facilities.

-Building a new Abercromby Primary School and St Bernadette’s Primary School on a new joint campus with associated community facilities.

-Building a new Abercromby Primary School and St Bernadette’s and St Mungo’s on a new joint campus with associated community facilities.

It is due to end on Friday 3 July and a formal consultation on one option will take place later in the year.

Education convener Councillor Ellen Forson said: “The informal consultation is open and we welcome the views of the whole community on these proposals which provide the opportunity to bring together 21st century learning opportunities and community services in a planned way as part of Making Clackmannanshire Better.

“The consultation process is at a very early stage, and this and future consultations will allow the council to work with communities, religious groups and the Scottish Government to reach an informed decision on the future plans.

“Council officers have held many events and meetings with local community groups and we welcome all reasonable suggestions for the project.

“The options are being considered on the basis that any resulting proposal would lead to the provision of an alternative public park with facilities which are equivalent to, or better than the existing facilities.” However, those hoping for an alternative solution highlight the importance, and size, of the current park.

Pauline added: “If the community was to lose the facility, I think it would be a great loss to the people of Tullibody.

“There would be no more fun days or large events in Tullibody as there is nowhere else big enough to hold so many people. Football training and matches would have to relocate.

“It’s essential for the health and social well-being of our community. The park was opened Tullibody almost 100 years ago, it will lose a great part of its heritage, history and possibly some of the wildlife and biodiversity.

“One of the plans shows the removal of one of the large trees. These trees have been there for hundreds of years.” The public meeting will be held on Thursday 25 June at the Civic Centre, Tullibody, from 7-8pm.

To follow the campaign search for Save Tullibody Public Park on Facebook, @SaveTullibody on Twitter or check out the petition at www.change.org You can also find the informal consultation at www.clacksweb.org.uk/learning/centurylearning/