Proposal for £85,000 TACT project is given councillors’ approval

Apr 17 2008 By Graham Fraser

AN environmental project — which aims to improve the physical and mental health of people living in Coatshill, Blantyre — has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

At last week’s South Lanarkshire Council estates committee meeting, councillors agreed a proposal to grant a one-year lease to the Tenants’ Association of Coatshill and Thornhill (T.A.C.T) for the development.

T.A.C.T will now implement plans to build a tool shop and a poly tunnel — a cost-effective greenhouse — at the back of the voluntary group’s Hillview Drive hall.

Bill Pinkerton, vice-chairman of T.A.C.T, commented: “We are delighted that the project has been given the go-ahead.

“We have been working towards this for four and a half years.

“This is not just for the people in Coatshill, but it will be for everyone in South Lanarkshire.”

T.A.C.T will also install a wind generator and solar power panels to utilise renewable energy.

The site will be enclosed by a three-metre high security fence.

It is hoped the workshop area will be used by educational institutions such as colleges and universities too.

The voluntary organisation have also held talks with the NHS to utilise the garden areas for the therapeutic care of mental health patients.

The overall cost of the project will be £85,600.

Greenspace Scotland will provide the majority of funding, while local community regeneration projects Changing Places, Pride of Place, and the council’s Community Resources countryside and greenspace initiative will also contribute to the costs of the plans.

Community resources have stated they will meet the utility costs for the first year of the project’s operation.