A VACANT development site has been turned into a bike trail for local people.

One of Scotland's largest housebuilders plans to develop the land in Dorchester Avenue, in Glasgow's West End, when the financial market improves.

In the meantime, Mactaggart & Mickel has temporarily handed the area to Cleveden Community Club under the Stalled Spaces scheme run by the city council.

A lease, which can be renewed annually, has been signed by the club and developer, meaning the area can be used by residents for outdoor activities.

Having a lease agreement dispels fears it will be difficult to return land that is being used by the community to its original owner.

Peter Richardson, of Cleveden Community Club, said: "A great deal of work has gone into making this project a reality.

"We now hope as many children and their families as possible will be able to use and enjoy the bike trail.

"This is a great example of what can be achieved by working together.

"The Stalled Spaces initiative has helped ensure the club gets to use the site and the developer has the comfort of knowing there is a legal agreement in place to manage this arrangement."

Andrew Mickel, director of Mactaggart & Mickel Group, said: "The Stalled Spaces initiative has provided an excellent opportunity for us to give something back to the community.

"The bike trail will be an invaluable resource for the area and it is great it has opened in time for the school summer holidays.

"We look forward to seeing more and more people utilise the trail over the coming months – myself included."

Liz Cameron, the council's jobs and the economy spokeswoman, said: "Sites in our city that lie empty and unused can depress people and neighbourhoods.

"I commend Cleveden Community Club and Mactaggart & Mickel Group for working together to ensure this Stalled Space is now an asset to its community and not a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

"I am sure that as residents, schools, groups and children realise that this wonderful resource, which will keep them active and fit, is now on their doorstep it will be supported and used by everyone living close by."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk