A FORMER play park in the centre of Helensburgh re-opened to the public as a community garden on Saturday.

The James Street Community Garden was formally opened by Penny Johnston, a descendant of the Kidston family, who originally donated the land occupied by the garden.

Also present at the opening was local councillor Ellen Morton, chair of Argyll and Bute Council's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, who spoke glowingly of the work of the James Street Community Garden Association and their supporters in bringing the area back to life.

The garden was gifted to the town by the Kidstons in 1907, and was used as a swing park until 2013, when the play equipment was removed for safety reasons.

Argyll and Bute Council expressed a desire in 2015 for the park's upkeep to be transferred to a community-led group, leading to the formation last year of the James Street Community Garden Association.

A formal agreement betweeh the Association and the council for the park's maintenance was signed last December, and following a series of open events to keep members of the public up to date with the progress of the work, the ribbon was cut on the new facility on Saturday afternoon.

The association's chairman, Sandy Kerr, said: “"Support for the project has been forthcoming from the Community Council and Argyll and Bute Council's amenities department as well as the Community Development Officer. 

“Local businesses such as Creative Ironwork, Night and Day, Colour and Design (now The Paint Shed), Eastside Motors and Mather Hire have all contributed in kind.”

Initial clearance work involved Helensburgh Rugby Club and Mike Thornley of Glenarn Gardens, while the local 'community payback' team laid an all-abilities access path.

The garden now also features a wild flower maze, a bog garden and a bug hotel.

Mr Kerr continued: “Much remains to be done but the existing seating has been renovated and donations secured to pay for the specimen trees that have been planted, thanks to individual donors and The

Civic Society. 

“The next phase is the purchase of more seating and more plants and any donations will be most gratefully received.”

Several community groups have also expressed an interest in being involved in the ongoing upkeep of the park, including local Scouts, Guides and Rotarians.

At the association's first AGM, held on Tuesday, members heard a full report of the activities which led up to the re-opening and saw a display of photographs of the progress made.

At Tuesday's meeting, Mr Kerr thanked all those who had supported and encouraged the Association so far and expressed the hope that the results would be an incentive to more people to take an interest in the

project. 

For more information people can look at the "James Street Community Garden" Facebook page or e-mail jscgarden@gmail.com.