Game over for hockey club plans as contentious bid to hand Ralston sports hub to Kelburne is rejected

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A controversial plan by Kelburne Hockey Club to take over Ralston Sports Centre has been thrown out by Renfrewshire Council.The hockey club had hoped to be given a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to take over the pavilion and grounds from OneRen.But it had faced strong opposition from Ralston Community Council, councillors and sports groups who were worried the plan would mean the end of access to the sports facilities.And, after reading the club’s submission, Renfrewshire Council’s CAT panel decided to refuse the application.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here.Their reasons for rejecting the application were the uncertainty of funding, the significant opposition to the plan and the impact that would have on the community.Ralston Community Council chairman, Allan Thompson was delighted with the news.He said: “The Ralston community were strongly opposed to Kelburne Hockey Club’s application to take over the running of Ralston Community Sports Centre.“The community council and many of the sports centre’s user groups hope to work closely with OneRen and Renfrewshire Council to fully utilise this community asset.“It’s a great day for the community.”Neill Graham, Conservative councillor for Paisley Northeast And Ralston, said: “I am delighted Ralston Community Sports Centre has been saved and will remain in public hands.“The community really did pull together on this issue.

The fantastic work of both Ralston Community Council and Ralston Skills in arranging public meetings and getting the Ralston Community pulling together to save this building is something we all in Ralston can be proud of.“This is a true example of people power and shows that communities when they come