Proud Past. Promising Future.

Paisley Vision Summer Newsletter June 2009 Proud Past. Promising Future. Inside this issue... Moving forward with Westpoint A bigger Sma’ Shot Festival Welcome to proud past. promising future. New Brand Identity hits the streets 10k Paisley’s 10k TenTh ROAD RACE Anniversary Summer Newsletter June 2009 Welcome to the Summer edition of Paisley Vision - the newsletter which keeps you up to date with what is going on in your town. It has been a great year for Paisley so far, kicking off in January with the opening of the new St Mirren Park stadium by First Minister Alex Salmond. It was wonderful to watch hundreds of supporters make the emotional journey from Love Street to the new stadium at Greenhill Road. It was a tremendous occasion for everyone who was involved and one which I think we will all remember for a long time. It was great to see so many families and children enjoying themselves. As well as being a really fantastic day for Paisley, it could prove to be a real turning point for the local economy in the long and short term. Revitalising our town has been one of our top priorities for 2009 and we have unveiled our new brand and logo – which you can read more about later in this newsletter – to mark this new chapter in our town. Regeneration of Paisley will be the key to not only surviving the current recession but thriving and coming out of the other side even stronger. Despite the current economic climate we continue to make considerable progress with significant parts of the Town Centre Action Plan. Westpoint Homes proposals to build apartments in the old Council HQ North Building have taken another step closer to development and will fulfil a major objective of encouraging people to live in our town centre. In response to the market, the developer is looking to include affordable housing in its plans and together this will potentially add 137 new homes to the town. Major changes have been implemented with our roads systems and we are in the process of looking at the results of the widespread roads consultation we held in April. We had a great response from businesses and residents alike and will report back soon on the recommendations. The Abbey has become the centre for culture and music with the Paisley Artists exhibition taking place throughout May and the visits by musicians like Karen Mathieson and Dougie MacLean. Celebrating our local culture and heritage is an important part of town life and this year sees an expanded Sma Shot Day celebration in the town centre which is sure to attract visitors from near and far. The Paisley 10k celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and we are looking for record numbers of participants to mark the occasion. I think you will agree that Paisley is transforming for the better and I hope you are enjoying the improvements we have been implementing. Your feedback is always welcome. Cllr Derek Mackay Page 2 Summer Newsletter June 2009 Moving forward with Westpoint TOWn Centre living in Paisley has just become even more attractive with the news that the planned Westpoint homes development of the old Council hQ at Cotton Street has taken another step closer to fruition. The new development, which will be a mixture of private and shared ownership homes, will have stunning views of Paisley Abbey. The proposals have been given the green light by Renfrewshire Council and the developer is due to be on site at the beginning of July to begin demolition work. The old Council HQ will then be transformed over the next couple of years into a prestigious address which will attract people back into the town centre to live. Cllr Derek Mackay, Renfrewshire Council Leader and Chair of the Paisley Vision Board, is delighted that the plans are progressing. He said: “This development is really going to be a first for Paisley and is a fantastic example of the kind of public and private sector partnerships which we need to rejuvenate the town. The Council has come together with Westpoint Homes, Communities Scotland and Link Housing Association to create this development which will transform the heart of the town. Shared equity in the current economic market is exactly what the Council is looking for and we believe this can be the catalyst for encouraging people to come and live in the town centre and breathe life back into the area”. People are what make a town - and encouraging people to live in Paisley Town Centre is a crucial part of our revitalisation plans. Westpoint Homes is one of Scotland’s most innovative and well known housebuilders and their planned development is sure to prove a big attraction. The attention to detail the housebuilder provides in their buildings is second to none and that, combined with the fantastic value for money prices and shared equity properties, is a great incentive. It is particularly encouraging in this current economic climate that such a prestigious developer has shown such faith and commitment to this iconic project in Paisley town centre. The development also succeeds in delivering an extremely important element within the Paisley town centre Action Plan for creating housing in the town centre and the North Building is one of our key locational sites. The proposal is to create 117 modern apartments with views over the Abbey in four apartment blocks with car parking spaces provided. The development will also include 890 square metres of commercial space. Westpoint Homes Development Director, Graham McNeil believes that the Cotton Street development will be a fantastic addition to the company’s portfolio. He said: “This is a very exciting development for us and when completed will provide a stunning addition to the townscape in Paisley. We have already had interest in the apartments and are confident that will continue. The market in Scotland is showing signs of buoyancy and we believe these apartments will be snapped up. “Living in Paisley, people can enjoy the local heritage and town with the likes of the Abbey right on the doorstep, whilst being only a short train journey from Glasgow. “ Demolition of the North building of the old Council HQ on Cotton Street will begin in July. The proposal is to create 117 modern apartments with views over the Abbey in four apartment blocks with car parking spaces provided. Page 3 Summer Newsletter June 2009 Sma’ Shot Day This year’s annual Sma’ Shot celebration in Paisley promises to be bigger than ever before with a day - and night - long event planned. Street entertainers, stilt walkers, drummers, interactive Teen Zone, theatre workshops and a craft fayre will transform the town centre into a festival site with different zones allocated for all the family. The day will be topped off by a spectacular fire show which will transform Abbey Close into an outside theatre for a unique re-enactment of the burning of the cork. One of the oldest workers festivals in the country, Sma’ Shot Day is a celebration of the weavers triumph over their employers. The workers were paid per piece of colourful thread in their yarn, with the Sma’ Shot being the cotton which bound the others together. As it was not visible in the finished garment, Victorian mill bosses, refused to pay for the cloth. A long fight and political battle ensued which the workers won and renamed the traditional July holiday – Sma’ Shot Day. Cllr Derek Mackay, Renfrewshire Council Leader and Chair of the Paisley Vision Board, said: “Our new brand identity for Paisley is ‘Proud Past - Promising Future’ and I can’t think of a better day for that to be celebrated to its full extent. Sma’ Shot is one of the most important traditions in Paisley and this day will be a chance to celebrate the town’s heritage in style.” “The event this year has been completely rejuvenated with the fire show in particular promising to be the highlight. The Craft Fayre which we have on offer this year is also sure to be a big draw.” “By turning Sma’ Shot Day into a proper festival and giving it the higher profile it deserves we hope to attract as many visitors as locals to come in and see what we can offer in Paisley. The extended festival is just one of many new initiatives we are doing to celebrate our culture.” The celebrations have been extended this year to include several specific zoned sites across the town centre including a family zone and a teen zone in addition to the traditional craft fayre which will take place in Abbey Close. The evening show begins with a performance by PACE Theatre Company, followed by foot-stomping music by Scots folk band Breabach. A stunning fire show which will take place at dusk and will be the culmination of the day long festival. Fire performers from Te Pooka will dazzle the audience - it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.” The traditional parade will begin at Brodie Park and then make its way down Neilston Road, and the High Street to the Cenotaph. A Radio Clyde Roadshow hosted by Gina McKie will be playing throughout the day. Provost Celia Lawson will welcome visitors and then the festivities will really begin with street entertainment, drum and theatre workshops, and the annual tea dance at the town hall. Free tickets for the evening show are available from Paisley Arts Centre, new Street, Paisley. Tel. 0141 887 1010. HigH st Clyde 1 roadsHow witH gina mckie from 1Pm - 5Pm County square teen fun zone interaCtiVe aCtiVities, musiC & street danCe gilmour street station happening! Causeyside st Paisley Cross gilmour st riVer Cart CHildren / family zone Craft fayre from 1 Pm kiddies rides / faCe Painting fireworks and burning of tHe Cork - sHow starts at 8Pm liVe entertainment! abbey Close HigH st tea town Hall from danCe 12 noon fire extraVaganza of eVents in tHe town Centre tHrougHout tHe day! don’t miss a fantastiC range Page 4 Paisley abbey “ by turning Sma’ Shot Day into a proper festival and giving it the higher profile it deserves we hope to attract as many visitors as locals to come in and see what we can offer in Paisley. The extended festival is just one of many new initiatives we are doing to celebrate our culture.” Summer Newsletter June 2009 Pick up a berry nice treat at Paisley Farmers’ Market... Buddies will be able to indulge in their five a day when the ‘berry’ special Farmers’ Market comes to town this summer. The popular event, which takes place in Paisley’s County Square on the second and last Saturday of the month, will host a wide range of fresh and local produce to kick-start the summer and encourage healthy eating. Freshly picked strawberries, raspberries and seasonal produce will be available to tempt the taste buds, offering a healthier alternative snack, whether it’s to add to morning cereal or create a summerfresh smoothie. In addition to fruitful delights, locally produced honey, home baking, cheese, fish, beef, lamb, vegetables and eggs will also be available, giving shoppers a wide variety to choose from for the perfect summer BBQ. The Farmers’ Market takes place in Paisley’s County Square between 9am and 1.30pm. Page 5 Summer Newsletter June 2009 Making a clean sweep by tackling litter across Renfrewshire Primary school pupils from across Renfrewshire are continuing to show their enthusiasm and dedication towards Renfrewshire Council’s highly successful Clean Renfrewshire campaign by taking part in litter picks with their schools. Armed with litter pickers, green bags and the support of the Clean Renfrewshire team over 220 pupils from six different primary schools have taken part in a number of different clean ups recently, helping to tackle grime and rubbish in and around their schools This has included 35 pupils from Newmains Primary School, 35 pupils form St Fergus Primary School, 35 pupils from East Fulton Primary School, over 30 from Cochrane Castle Primary School and more than 85 pupils, teachers and staff from St Charles Primary School. Following the launch of the campaign in May 2008 over 2,490 volunteers from a wide variety of youth and community groups and schools have taken part in over 80 clean ups to remove a staggering 1,062 bags of rubbish from Renfrewshire. To reinforce the activity being carried out by individuals and groups the campaign has stepped up a gear and entered into its second phase, with the introduction of Renfrewshire Wardens who have recently taken to the streets to increase further awareness about the need to maintain a clean environment and issue fixed penalty notices to those who continue to drop litter or allow their dogs to foul the county’s streets and parks. As part of their wider community role the wardens also have the power to issue £50 fixed penalty notices for littering and £40 fixed penalty notices for dog fouling, demonstrating that Clean Renfrewshire means business. Maureen Nugent, acting deputy head teacher at St Fergus Primary School said: “The Clean Renfrewshire campaign has been great for Renfrewshire. The fact that so many children have taken part in clean ups with their schools shows the positive impact of the campaign. The pupils’ enthusiasm is very inspiring and I hope that it encourages other groups to take action in their areas. Lynn Maxwell, class teacher at Newmains Primary School said: “The children have shown a huge amount of dedication and commitment towards helping to improve our environment. The atmosphere was great on the day and the children are looking forward to the next big clean up. We are now working towards our second green flag for the school and that will be a huge achievement for the school and all the pupils.” Page 6 Summer Newsletter June 2009 Welcome to Pride of Place proud past. promising future. The NEW brand identity for Paisley was unveiled this Spring with the appearance of different road signs signalling the start of a new era for Paisley. The Paisley Vision Board spent several months in 2008 researching locals’ views to find out what kind of brand would best represent the area from 2009 onwards. The historic past was named as one of the main things Buddies were proud of in their town and the new logo reflects this. Renfrewshire Council Leader and Chairman of the Paisley Vision Board, Cllr Derek Mackay, said: “This is the culmination of months of hard work going through the feedback we had received from residents. There is a great pride in Paisley especially in the traditions and history of the town and we wanted the logo to embrace this. The new identity – Proud Past and Promising Future - will be rolled out over the coming months and the brand will be seen across a whole variety of medium including merchandising and advertising. It will also be used in the local authority’s publications including the Council’s Events Diary and will be showcased on the new web portal. The logo has been designed to reflect the views of the people of Paisley who we consulted widely last year in a bid to get their backing for a new identity for the town. The pattern has been incorporated into the logo but it has been done with a modern twist and a degree of elegance. We are really proud of it and it is something we are confident people will take pride in and be the focal point of building the brand. We have also created a series of straplines for use alongside the brand to further strengthen the message. A small example of these are shown below. happening! Page 7 Summer Newsletter June 2009 High Street and Gilmour Street Consultation Following discussion and consideration by the Paisley Vision Board Renfrewshire Council agreed to undertake a public consultation exercise on the possible opening of the pedestrianised parts of High Street and Gilmour Street to general traffic in one direction at certain times of the day. This follows on from the opening of bus and taxi streets (St Mirren Street and Gauze Street) to traffic in August 2008. A public consultation exercise was undertaken through April to establish public opinion on this suggestion. This has been undertaken using an explanatory leaflet which summarised the options. These options were: • No change (option 1) • Streets open to traffic at all time (option 2) • Pedestrians only 10.30 – 4.00p.m. with streets otherwise open (option 3) • Pedestrians only 12.30 – 4.00p.m. with streets otherwise open (option 4) The leaflet was made available at public exhibitions in the Piazza Shopping Centre and Paisley Shopping Centre, through advertorial pieces in the local papers and on-line using the Council’s web-site. Additionally, the Council’s Public Services Panel has been consulted on this issue and a meeting has been held with town centre retailers. Additionally, in May, the matter was placed on the agenda of the three relevant Council Local Area Committees to facilitate a wider discussion on the topic involving representatives from local community organisations as well as local Councillors. The outcome and recommendations following this exercise will be reported to the Council and will be reported to the public thereafter. Free PArking On SATurDAyS Over 300 spaces are available in Renfrewshire HQ council car park on Saturdays in Cotton Street, Paisley Page 8 ShOPMObiLiTy PAISLEY Shopmobility offers a valuable service to people with mobility problems visiting the town centre. A range of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and power chairs are available. Anyone with a mobility problem can use the free service and should contact Shopmobility in advance to let them know what machine they require and if they need picked up from the bus / train station or if they need a volunteer to accompany them while shopping. To book, call 0141 889 0441. Summer Newsletter June 2009 Dougie MacLean at Paisley Abbey CALeDOniA composer, Dougie MacLean celebrated homecoming Scotland and Midsummer with a special performance in Paisley Abbey on June 19th. Described as one of Scotland’s finest songwriters, Dougie performed selected material from his 18 albums, which include songs covered by Amy MacDonald and homegrown talent Paolo Nutini, as well as Frankie Miller and Kathy Mattea. The creator of ‘Caledonia’, which is the theme song for Homecoming Scotland and is featured in the internationally screened TV advert, was accompanied by some of the best musicians in the country. His career started with Paisley’s very own traditional band, The Tannahill Weavers, in 1976. Dougie said: “Performing with the great musicians in my band within the historic and stunningly atmospheric Paisley Abbey made for a wonderful Midsummer’s Night!” His acoustic band featured Greg Lawson, Jamie MacLean, Ross Ainslie, Alan Sutherland and Ali Ferguson. Supported by the Paisley Vision Board and Renfrewshire Council, the musical medley was a truly special evening set in one of the most historic buildings in Paisley. Amanda Moulson, Town Centre Manager and member of the Paisley Vision Board, said: “This was a fantastic evening and we’re delighted that Dougie MacLean was performing in the Abbey during the year of Homecoming Scotland. From the Choral Festival to Karen Matheson, the venue is becoming a popular location for highprofile musicians.” Voices in Paisley Friday 23rd October - Saturday 7th November Now entering its 6th year, Voices in Paisley once more bring an exciting and varied programme to this ever popular music festival. Singing sensation All Angels, who can justifiably be called the World’s First Female Classical Supergroup will be performing at Paisley Abbey. Their debut album was the UK’s fastest selling debut album for a classical act and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Classical Brits. The programme also includes The City of Glasgow Chorus who will be performing Mozart’s Requiem, Maria Wilson in concert at Paisley Arts Centre, the Paisley Festival Chorus and the Gaelic Choir Night. Various schools events will take place including workshops and performances with classical group Dieci. Voices in Paisley has been chosen as a programme partner for Homecoming and this will be reflected in the performance pieces and an end of festival ceilidh at Paisley Town Hall. Lunch time recitals will take place throughout the festival. For more information and tickets: www.paisleyfestivalcompany.com ALL AngeLS Page 9 Summer Newsletter June 2009 Fire Engine Rally Formed around 16 years ago the group which is now affiliated to Strathclyde Fire and rescue is run by volunteers who have an interest in the history and traditions of the fire service. 18th July Strathclyde Fire and rescue Preservation group The group has horse drawn steam operated fire engines including various manual hand pumps dating back to the 1800’s, in addition there are 14 working fire engines forming the largest collection of preserved fire appliances in the UK. In conjunction with Inverclyde Council and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue the Preservation Group is in the process of establishing a fire service museum, in the Old Fire Station in Greenock. The museum would be the prime focus in the West of Scotland for fire brigade history and indications show that it would be of national and international interest. Most weekends the group provides fire appliances to attend open days, fetes, and events, supporting numerous charitable causes. On the beat in the Town Centre Since December 2008 we have been seconded to work within Paisley Town Centre in a high visibility community policing role. The aim of our role is to be dedicated within Paisley Town Centre focusing on retail crime and any form of anti-social behaviour and disorder. Working in partnership with Renfrewshire Wardens and other partner organisations, which include the Procurator Fiscals service, Renfrewshire Council, CCTV operators, security staff and retailers themselves, we carry out high-visibility foot patrols. Through this approach we aim to reduce the number of thefts, robberies and anti social behaviour and ultimately reduce crime and the fear of crime within Paisley Town Centre. Special ‘k’ Our role is unique within “K” division, on patrol we carry a second radio, known as Paisley Town Centre Radio Link. This invaluable piece of equipment allows us to communicate directly with Paisley Town Centre CCTV operators, Council wardens,security staff and retailers. This allows us to react immediately to any incidents which may arise and can often prevent any incident from taking place. We have worked hard in building a very good working relationship with retailers and security staff, resulting in a number of detections for various offences. We also work with the procurator fiscal services and criminal justice to ensure that persistant offenders within Paisley Town Centre are targeted and actively pursued. We have and will continue to target these offenders as well as offer support to vulnerable persons within the town and will target areas known as hot spots for anti social behaviour and disorder. high Visibility Policing Figures show that despite the current economic climate and fears of a sharp increase in shoplifting, Paisley Town Centre has not experienced this expected rise but has shown a marked increase in detection rates for shoplifters compared with the same period last year. This is believed to be in part due to increased high visibility policing but also the willingness of retailers to communicate problems with police. There has also been a marked increase in the number of people detected for street drinking and other anti social behaviour resulting in a record number of fixed penalty tickets being issued for the area. In addition to carrying out daily patrols, there are further overtime patrol officers targeting hotspot areas. Together working with our partners we are making a positive difference within Paisley Town Centre and will continue to build safer and stronger community links within the area. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us in our role to date and we hope that we can continue to make a real difference. Page 10 Summer Newsletter June 2009 ON YOUR MARK... TRIPLE Paralympic gold medalist, Aileen McGlynn OBE, launched this year’s Paisley 10k as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary. running for success Aileen Mcglynn joined Council Leader Derek Mackay to launch the race, which takes place on 30th August and has become a calendar highlight in the town. Paisley-born Aileen said: “The 10k is an ideal opportunity to get fit. There’s still plenty of time for training and with the nights being lighter and weather getting better, now’s the time to get those trainers on and make the most of the outdoors.” Over 1,500 participants are expected to pound the streets of Paisley as it celebrates its decade. There will also be a Fun Run taking place on the same day for youngsters or beginners. This year’s course will take runners once again through the west of the town and around Paisley’s historic town centre. Charities in Renfrewshire are encouraging as many runners as possible to turn power into pounds as they take part. Paisley’s ACCORD Hospice is one which is hoping to benefit from charitable runners. The independent charity gives free medical and nursing care to those in Renfrewshire and parts of East Renfrewshire whose illness is causing physical pain and emotional stress and for whom medical treatment may no longer be appropriate. Another charity looking to benefit is Howwood’s St. Vincent’s Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care for people throughout Renfrewshire. The Hospice originally opened as an eightbedded unit in North Road, Johnstone in January 1988 and moved to Howwood in March 1993. Since then, the scale and diversity of care has grown steadily. Amanda Moulson, Town Centre Manager and member of the Paisley Vision Board, said: “There are so many reasons to get involved in the 10k – whether it is to get fit, reach a personal goal or challenge, or raise money for one of the 700 or so charities in the Renfrewshire area. “We are expecting around 1,500 participants to run this year’s event so if everyone was to donate just £5 per runner that would give charities crucial funds to make a difference to those in need. “It’s entirely up to you whether you run, jog or walk the route, or take part in fancy dress, as so many did last year. We hope that as many people as possible sign up and make it a great occasion to mark the 10th anniversary year.” The 10k application form is overleaf or apply online at www.paisley10k.com We want to keep you informed... If you’d like to know more about what’s going on in and around Paisley Town Centre, whether it is information on events, new store openings or developments news, please send an email marked ‘Keep me informed’ with your contact details to amanda.moulson@refrewshire .gov.uk Page 11 in association with Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club Active Renfrewshire Renfrewshire Physical Activity Sport & Health running for success 10k ROAD RACE PAISLEY VISION SUPPORTED BY FirSt name PoSt Code telePhone (moBile) male or Female antiCiPated FiniShing time SCottiSh athletiCS memBerShiP numBer Fee enCloSed ReNC No DaTe FRIeND a SPoRTS CeNTRe DIReCT MaIL NeWSPaPeR aDveRT oNLINe YeS No running for success WITH FUN RUN SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 2009 SPONSORED BY Surname addreSS town or City telePhone (home) e-mail addreSS age on day oF raCe date oF Birth name oF CluB (CluB veSt muSt Be worn), SChool or ComPany iS your CluB/organiSation aFFiliated to SCottiSh athletiCS? YeS are you a memBer oF SCottiSh athletiCS? YeS No No event (PleaSe tiCk) Postal aPPlications - cheQues PayaBle to ‘renfrewshire council’. aPPlications By hanD - cheQues PayaBle to ‘renfrewshire leisure limiteD’. 10K RoaD RaCe, Sa MeMbeR - £12.00 (£10.00 eaRLY bIRD*). NoN-MeMbeR £14.00 (£12.00 eaRLY bIRD*). eNTRIeS oN The DaY aDD £3.00 eaRLY bIRD DISCoUNT aPPLIeS beFoRe 1ST JULY 2009 FUN RUN aDULT £7.00 (£6.00 eaRLY bIRD*), FUN RUN ChILD £5.00 (£3.00 eaRLY bIRD*). eNTRIeS oN The DaY aDD £2.00 do you have a diSaBility? YeS DeTaILS: i deClare that i am mediCally Fit to run and PartiCiPate in the event and i have read the termS and ConditionS (Below) SIgNeD iF under 17 - Parental Signature where did you get your entry Form? aThLeTIC CLUb did you enter PaiSley viSion 10k road raCe 2008? ReNFReWShIRe FaCILITY YeS No any other relevant mediCal inFormation? YeS FoR oFFICIaL USe oNLY RLL INFoRMaTIoN heRe WILL be PaSSeD To The eMeRgeNCY SeRvICeS. PleaSe enSure to inClude theSe detailS on BaCk oF raCe numBer worn at event. No would you like to Be kePt inFormed oF renFrewShire CounCil/leiSure eventS and aCtivitieS? No Data Protection Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure Limited or its agents, for the purposes of Marketing PR may use my personal contact details given on entry form. Yes in consiDeration of your accePting this entry i agree to the following race terms anD conDitions: I hereby declare that I am an amateur as defined by the rules of UK athletics. I will abide by the laws and rules of the governing body. I will not exchange my number with, or give it to, another competitor and I will be the correct age or over on the day of the race. Minimum age for 10k is 15 years on the day of the race. Junior men and women – under the age of 20 on 1 September 2008. I understand that the organizers, any sponsors and their representatives will in no way be held responsible for any injury, illness, accident or loss of property during or as a result of the event and that I waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages. Photographs taken of the event which may portray my participation in the race may be used by Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire leisure and by sponsors of the event. Details given on this entry form will be used by Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure or its agents for the purposes of race administration and result production. No following cycles or dogs except guide dogs. This race is not suitable for wheelchair athletes. The race route is subject to confirmation. We would request that you do not use MP3 players during the race as this may mean that you are unable to hear the commands of the race marshalls. We appreciate your cooperation in this.