Nearly 1000 responses have been received in a consultation over the future plans for Grangemouth’s historic Zetland park.

The survey - organised by community group the Friends of Zetland park in conjunction with Falkirk Council - was undertaken by specialist consultants who are preparing a masterplan for potential future development within the park.

The survey involved residents of all ages from the immediate area in and around Grangemouth and asked respondents on a wide range of topics including parking, resurfacing, leisure use, planting, bio-diversity and the park’s war memorial.

Comments made by participants will now be used to influence a final masterplan drawn up for presentation in January 2015.

Councillor Adrian Mahoney, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “I’d like to thank all the people who took time to share their thoughts and ideas as part of this consultation process.

“The Friends of Zetland Park have been pivotal in getting such a massive response to the consultation exercise. I’d like to thank the group’s committed volunteers for all their hard work.”

Councillor Mahoney admitted that Zetland park and other public spaces faced challenges in light of cutbacks faced by the Council.

But he said: “Good public support for improvements can help us win much-needed external funding to take ideas forward. The consultation responses will now be analysed to help shape a masterplan for the site. Hopefully this will be ready to share with local people early in the New Year.”

Tom Brown, Secretary of the Friends of Zetland Park said: “We wish to express our thanks and gratitude to the town for the level of response. This shows both the level of regard held by the townsfolk for its most significant asset and their desires to see it improved and upgraded. They have taken this once in a lifetime opportunity to have their input heard.

It is for the consultant to now analyse the results of the consultation and give effect to it in the compilation of the final plan to be brought forward. Friends of Zetland are willing and prepared to be involved in any further discussions seen to be helpful as this process now unfolds.”