CAMPAIGNERS will today step up their fight against plans to scrap a popular greenspace.

The proposals would see a 120-place nursery being built on the playing fields used by youngsters at Busby Primary School.

However, a number of parents and local residents who are opposed to the move have formed a protest group called Save Busby Primary Playing Fields.

And they will gather outside East Renfrewshire Council’s headquarters today to make their feelings clear as members of the local authority’s planning committee meet to discuss the application.

Marie McBeth, who is the driving force behind Save Busby Primary Playing Fields, told the Barrhead News: “East Renfrewshire Council want to change the field into a permanent 120-place nursery, with the top being extended to a 55-space car park, so there will only be a tiny slither of greenspace for the school.

“The school roll is over capacity, this is going up year on year. The playground space has also halved from 1995, so we are campaigning to save this greenspace for the school children.

“I don’t know why they’ve picked Busby. Apparently it is because the grass isn’t being used – but it is used.”

Around 100 people attended a meeting organised by Busby Community Council last week to discuss the proposals.

Marie agrees that the proposed nursery looks “fabulous,” with indoor and outdoor learning spaces for children to enjoy.

However, she insists the playing fields must remain.

“The school is not fit for purpose any more and, if they take away the greenspace, it will be even less fit for purpose,” she added.

Some 166 objections to the nursery plans have been lodged with council chiefs.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said that, under plans announced by the Scottish Government, the local authority is required to “significantly increase” the number of nursery places available in the area by August 2020.

He added: “The formal planning application process ensures a voice for anyone who wishes to make a representation to the council before a decision is made by the planning committee, with all relevant planning considerations taken into account.”