A Grey Area - an Opportunity Lost

Everyone knows how important green space is for nature and our own well-being, so how sad is it that the once in a generation opportunity is being squandered to turn a grey space - the 1.38 acre/5,500 sq metre gravelled “for development” area in front of the leisure centre - into a fantastic green space.  

How ironic that Helensburgh known as “the Clyde’s Garden Town” hasn’t seized the chance to turn this space into something beautiful.  The average show garden at Chelsea Flower Show can be between 25 and 100 sq metres - so think what could be done with all that grey space and a bit of imagination!

What would you prefer - a few more shops or an amazing green space for locals and visitors to enjoy!

While the future of the site is being decided, nature is making a valiant attempt to claim it back.  Already green shoots of grass and wild flowers (and hope!)  are poking through the barren gravel and gulls and other birds are using it as a safe space to congregate and just generally “hing oot”.  Next year we will see more shoots sprouting up from the seeds of the wild flowers planted outside the leisure centre, displays which we all loved so much this summer.  

Long may the planning process continue so we can enjoy watching the grey become greener and perhaps the powers that be may come to their senses and return this area to the people and to nature.