A CAMPAIGN has been launched to transform Renfrew.

The town has been battling nightmare traffic congestion and the recession.

But now campaigners are aiming to set up a community development trust to help move it forward.

They say that with local support, a development trust could put together a 10-year plan on a wide range of community services in the town - from managing a new housing development in the area to ­providing help for neighbours.

The new trust could also seek to bring assets such as disused buildings into community ownership.

Thanks to the 200 ­independent development trusts around Scotland, communities across the country now own assets that range from bed-and-breakfasts to an airport.

Renfrew steering group member Foster Evans said: "We want Renfrew to be a thriving community and a place where people can aspire and are inspired to do their very best.

"This is just the start of a very achievable journey and we hope that the people of ­Renfrew will join us."

The development trust is carrying out a survey online and on paper over the coming weeks to take people's views. They have also planned a gathering to be held at Renfrew Town Hall on November 13.

And the steering group is also running a photographic competition called 'My Renfrew' which will offer the chance to win £125 of PC World vouchers.

Entries can be of anything that represents Renfrew - buildings, places or people.

The overall winner will be announced at the Town Hall event on November 13.

Individuals, community groups, businesses, charities, and sports clubs are urged to take part.

To complete an online survey go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/ RenfrewDT or visit face book.com/Renfrew DevelopmentTrust.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk