AN online survey has been launched to let the people of Barrhead have a say in how improvements could be made to the town’s vandal-hit Cowan Park.

East Renfrewshire Council’s survey is asking for views on how to help shape an investment action plan that will see upgrades to the park’s facilities and amenities.

The move comes after a spate of mindless vandalism at the park following a £250,000 upgrade last year.

READ MORE: Man in court on murder bid charge after alleged shootings​

Incidents have included play equipment set on fire, a slide covered in black paint and litter strewn across the area.

However, the council says its installation of CCTV cameras across the area has seen reports of vandalism drop by 21 per cent, and bosses are now keen to see residents get involved with improving the park even further.

A community engagement steering group was established earlier this year with representatives from local student groups, teachers, sports teams and community groups to ensure that the public is involved in every step of the action plan process.

Environment convener, Councillor Alan Lafferty, said: “Barrhead’s Cowan Park is a wonderful asset and has vast potential as a hub for the community and visitors, so it is hugely important future plans have the backing of residents and stakeholders. 

“I would encourage everyone to complete our survey.”

In April, Barrhead Community Council urged the council to install cameras before children start their summer holidays.

A council spokesperson said the Barrhead skatepark’s CCTV camera has been in place for several months.

They added: “The camera is linked to the council’s 24/7 monitoring centre at Thornliebank, allowing remote monitoring of the cameras in the Cowan Park area.

READ MORE: Horse rider urges drivers to rein in speed after close call during hack

“In addition, a temporary redeployable camera at the Darnley Road side of Cowan Park has been installed to allow monitoring of the area around the play park.”

The council says it currently has 267 CCTV cameras situated across the authority and its community safety team patrol key sites regularly.

The spokesperson added: “Close partnership working between the council and Police Scotland is contributing to a 21 per cent decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour over the last year.”

This week, Rosaleen Reilly, the community council chairwoman, said she “most definitely” welcomed the surveillance cameras as way of monitoring the park.

To take part in the survey visit www.getinvolved.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/corporate-communityservices/cowan-park2019/