Broom Park, Newton Mearns became the subject of local concerns when it was revealed that ERC were proposing to permit building on the park. Housing and a further commercial (shops) development.

A facebook page was set up called 'Save Broom Park' in December 2016.

Many objections to the proposals were lodged and the local councillor Jim Swift was quickly championing the cause along with other residents.

The community came together and identified improvements that were required.

The police were contacted every time they saw youths congregating and drinking.

The residents had a day of action and they cleared the park and it environs of litter and junk.

With the park now tidy and clean, and with no neds they organised a get together of residents at the park.

The Great Broomburn Park Get Together was a total success.

The matter also became an election issue with candidates.

With all of this occurring, and local councillors becoming involved in vocally objecting to the proposals, staff at ERC could be in no doubt as to the rejection of the proposals of building houses on the park.

June 2017 and a number of residents report seeing someone with a theodolite in the park.



Fearing the worst, that the builder was getting ready for approval, the residents contacted Cllr Swift.

He jumped onto the case and went straight to the council, as he was not aware of any such decision, and elected members had not yet been consulted on the proposed housing project.

Jim Swift spoke to ERC Planning officers and they knew nothing about the survey.

They then decided to make enquiries with ERC estates.

They then ascertained that It is East Renfrewshire Council that had commissioned the survey.

They are looking at potentially putting a nursery in the park.

Cllr Swift said "No, I didn't know they were thinking that either."

The identity of 'They' is unknown but is believed to be staff at ERC.

We will give the last words to Cllr swift "The next Council meeting is 28/6 and we cannot lodge a motion within 16 days of the meeting, so this will not be discussed formally until September at full Council. Disappointing and we will have the new proposed LDP by then hopefully, so we will know what is planned for our park."

Now people will know why we always say that it is staff that run the council and make decisions, not councillors.

Left hand and right hand