Two ground breaking youth projects are ensuring that young people living around the canal are getting a chance to shape regeneration proposals for the Speirs Locks area.

Over 321 school pupils from three primary schools took part in the ‘Townscapes and Water’ project with a series of art based projects and boat trips allowing the children to understand the regeneration process and express their views on what they would like to see in the area. Banners and 3D models were created by the pupils to help reflect their views.

Less litter, more green spaces and more leisure facilities were high on the list of must haves although there were also a few calls for futuristic buildings with roof top swimming pools and supersonic lifts!

Running in parallel with the schools programme The ‘Tomorrow‘s Future’ programme saw more than 40 young people from local youth groups involved in a series of workshops which led to the creation of a short film documenting their thoughts and feelings about the Speirs Locks area.

Although there was a general feeling across the youth groups of a lack of ownership of the area, feedback from teachers showed that the school children had an increased sense of community and were more aware of the people and places surrounding the Speirs Locks area as a result of the engagement Programme.

The ongoing sessions are considered an invaluable part of the community engagement process and efforts are now being made to create a series of further initiatives including family orientated events and boat trips on the canal.