RESIDENTS in Giffnock have been declared as having the best quality of life in East Renfrewshire…with Barrhead folk not far behind.

In a survey carried out by the Citizens’ Panel in East Renfrewshire, eight out of 10 people living in Giffnock and Thornliebank said they enjoyed their quality of life.

This compares favourably to those in the Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor ward, where the quality of life rating was 7.8 out of 10.

Residents in two other council wards – Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood and Newton Mearns South and Eaglesham – gave a score of 7.7.

The lowest ranking for quality of life was found in Newton Mearns North and Neilston, at 7.1 out of 10.

Overall, the study revealed that 94% of residents are satisfied with East Renfrewshire as a place to live, with 72% of them declaring themselves satisfied with council services.

Residents who took part in the survey said they felt a strong sense of belonging to their community and agreed that people from different backgrounds get on well.

The majority also indicated that they had people in their community they could rely on.
Across East Renfrewshire, residents were most positive about education, with 98% of them rating primary education and 96% rating secondary education positively.

Public parks and open spaces were also rated positively at 94%, with libraries awarded a 93% rating.

However, residents were less positive about the area’s footpaths and roads.

Almost eight out of 10 residents rated roads as ‘poor,’ with 69 per cent giving the same rating to paths.

In response to this, council chiefs pointed out that an additional £1.6million has been invested to improve paths and roads.

Council leader Tony Buchanan told the Barrhead News: “It is extremely pleasing that this year’s Citizens’ Panel results show that residents continue to value the safety, family values, reputation and educational prospects which are provided when living in East Renfrewshire.

“We have strong communities throughout and will continue to deliver services which best meet our residents’ needs.”

Councillor Buchanan pointed out the local authority faces “substantial” financial constraints.

However, he added: “It is encouraging that residents view East Renfrewshire as a modern, forward-thinking local authority.

“It is our innovation and focus on driving up efficiencies which has helped us continue to protect the services most valued by our residents, whilst also making the budget savings which have been required.

“We will continue to aim to provide the best services possible and strive to make East Renfrewshire the most desirable place in Scotland to live, work and visit.”