A COMMUNITY village can be developed in Springburn Park after councillors handed a long-term lease to a charity.

Glasgow City Council will give a former council depot to Friends of Springburn Park for 20 years on a £250 per year lease.

The charity plans to offer a range of activities, including art, music and drama performances.

Councillor Cecilia O’Lone initially put forward an amendment to reduce the length of the lease but later withdrew her request.

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She said: “I really support this coming forward from the Friends of Springburn Park. I know they’re a charity but what do they have to show they’re going to be doing for that period?

“I just feel like this is quite early in their development for that. I think we could actually say we’ll offer a lease for a year or two years while they build up their business plan and the development they’re going to do.”

A council officer said the extended lease would give the charity security to apply for funding and, if it didn’t abide by the terms of the deal, the Council could step in.

Councillor Christina Cannon, who represents Springburn and Robroyston, said: “It is a genuine community group, they’re an absolute pleasure to work with. They just want more people into their park.

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“The community council and other groups really, really enjoy what the Friends of Springburn Park have done.”

She added: “I think they’d be really excited if the group could take it forward for another 20 years.

“We’ve already seen what the group can do in two years. I can only imagine the amazing work they can do in 20 years.”

The charity will work with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Countryside Rangers to hold a number of events, including an annual Foraging Festival.

It has registered with the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, a meeting place for men who want to socialise and build, repair or up-cycle items. Currently, 18 people, including three women, have signed up.

Visitors can also work on projects or hobbies in a workshop, play cards or have a tea or coffee.

Springburn Park Community Village Auditorium, which is led by the vice chair of FOSP, is looking to develop a programme of arts performances to take place in the shed.

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A portacabin in the village currently houses Balornock Uniform Bank, a place where people can exchange school uniforms, while an outdoor classroom has also been built.