In January 09 people living in the Village of Neilston attended a meeting held in our Village hall (Glen Halls). The meeting was well attended in-fact we had two meetings in the one day over 350 people turning out to see what was to happen in this 'NEW NEILSTON'

Much to everyone's surprise we were told it's up to you ! you tell us what you want . We met with a man Professor Alan Simpson who gave us a presentation of what he had achieved in places like Yorkshire etc, also on hand was Art & Design Scotland, The Lighthouse and the Urban Lab. It was a fantastic day with only one promise that Neilston would have a sustainable plan. Hillside TRA had five group members at the first meeting

At the next meeting we had a general discussion on Neilston. East Renfrewshire Council departments like Planning and Tourism were there with about 70 Villagers. We were broken into small working groups to that we had groups of people that focus on things that really interested them. One of the groups was History & appearance. This group had around 15 members we talked about the entrance to the Village from Barrhead where you come up to Glen Halls the old Police Station and Doctors house. We felt that work should be done to preserve this area due to the age of the buildings and the New Neilston starts after the cross. The sub group met again because we had run out of time the meeting went that fast. Other groups looked at Youth, Growth, Investment, Tourism. Tourism is an important part of Neilston it could be a nice place to visit if we plan it properly

We were meeting on a fortnightly basis but planned a crunch weekend to end with. Again we had great time we visited Crofthead Mill and had a walk around the Village.

By late afternoon on the Saturday we sat round the table in groups again. My group were looking at Pig Square and Kirkinstyle Lane. these place's were right next to each other but seemed miles apart. We agreed that this was wasted space and they could be joined together. At Pig Square [front] there is a car park that separates us from the grass area along at Kirkinstyle Lane a built up wall about 3 ft separates these to areas. By removing the wall and the car park going to the side this would open up the whole area and introduce some seating with some play equipment would make a big difference on appearance and how it would be used. Children from the 3 schools by day and young people at night.

The Main Street in Neilston was regenerated a few years ago by Neilston Village Regeneration Group. The group at that time concentrated on the main shopping square the Town Team were looking at extending this to start from the Cross on Main Street and ending at Station Road. Block paving would make a remarkable change to the centre of the Village. It was also pointed out that there was a staggering amount of polls in this area lighting, plant, cctv etc, . Some changes are also being talked about in the High Street along to Kingston Road a meeting area for Parents dropping off and picking up their Children from the Schools. Along at Broadie Road the School railings would be moved in by a couple of yards to make the Pavements more accessible to the public.

Neilston has assets like the Mill but we also have beautiful countryside part of this plan was to bring places like Cowden Hall and the Pad together. The Town Team did the 'walk' to Cowden Hall this was a large Estate owned by Mr Orr who was the original owner of Crofthead Mill. At one time there was a great mansion house with Gardens and Tennis court in the Estate.