COUNCIL chiefs have no plans to introduce CCTV to Carlibar Park, despite the recommendations of independent consultants.

Creative consultancy firm Pidgin Perfect was hired earlier this year to carry out a public consultation into the use of the Barrhead park and make recommendations for how it could be improved to the benefit of residents.

The ‘Carlibar Park - Making Places’ project took the form of a series of surveys, school workshop activities and community events. 

The first recommendation of the report was the installation of CCTV cameras.

The report stated: “In order to ensure the public utilise Carlibar Park as a resource, regardless of the nature of future uses for the park, the addition of CCTV and security cameras will be required to encourage safer use and perception of the park.”

The safety of Carlibar Park has been a subject for serious concern following a number of incidents of vandalism, anti-social behaviour and, in the last two weeks, the discovery of dirty needles littering the ground.

This week, East Renfrewshire Council confirmed plans were progressing to carry out improvements at the park, but these plans do not include CCTV. 

A spokesperson said: “A number of the recommendations are now being progressed.

“Lighting and path improvements are currently being developed and it is planned this work will be completed early next year.”

Reinstatement of the North East bridge and the addition of better seating, along with improvements to paths and the South West bridge, are all listed as work that could be completed in under a year.

The report called for a bespoke lighting strategy, new signage, a ‘multi-use activity space’, improved public footpaths and the development of a new bridge across Levern Water, directly connecting Water Road to Carlibar Road.

According to the report: “It is clear the level of lighting across Carlibar Park is insufficient and a key factor in determining how the public use the park.”