An East Renfrewshire green space will be enjoyed for generations to come after an extension of its Fields in Trust protection was secured.

Thanks to the UK charity and East Renfrewshire Council, Huntly Park, in Giffnock, and its 5.67 hectares of land is now legally protected.

After years of campaigning by the local community, this will ensure residents have somewhere which is safeguarded for play, sport and recreation forever.

A council spokesperson told the Barrhead News: “We’re delighted to have secured the extension of Fields in Trust green space protection for Huntly Park.

“This now means both the upper and lower areas within the park have green space protection.

“It is an extremely popular space for walking, playing and exercising, so we know the local community will welcome this news.

“We’re absolutely committed to protecting, maintaining and improving our parks and public spaces and we look forward to seeing local residents and visitors enjoy Huntly Park for years to come.”

Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields in Trust, added: “Parks and green spaces play a vital role in people’s health and wellbeing. These benefits have been shown even more starkly during the difficult times we have faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our local parks and green spaces have been crucial during the crisis and they will have a significant part to play in our recovery.”

Huntly playing fields has three grass football pitches, open parkland, a woodland area and a path that runs through its middle, leading to Braidpark Drive.

The area is used for a variety of activities, including dog walking, cycling and woodland strolls.

There are also five picnic benches and two park benches which were recently installed following a request from the Friends of Huntly Park group.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We are absolutely delighted that Fields in Trust and East Renfrewshire Council have collaborated to protect Huntly Park forever.”

Councillor Gordon Wallace, who represents Giffnock and Thornliebank, added: “This is such welcome news and just reward for the many residents and local groups’ concerted efforts, not least Friends of Huntly Park, in ensuring Huntly Park in its entirety continues as valued and much-loved recreational parkland for many generations to come and does so free from threat of development

“My thanks to council officers and Fields in Trust for their diligence in bringing this to fruition.”