The Choices for Life Event held at The Tannahill Centre in Paisley, which is managed by FPHA, focussed on the variety of good work going on in the local community which has a growing pride and community spirit despite the unfair and negative publicity which often surrounds it.

200 local school kids were provided with a series of activities, including theatre events, active workshops and discussions aimed at steering them away from a potential life of crime.

Chief Superintendant Jim Downie Divisional Commander Renfrewshire said: “It takes a lot for a young person to say no to something all their friends are doing. These events in the local community are about offering practical advice on how to deal with these issues and other problems and give young people the access to information that they will need to make positive choices in their life.”

FPHA chief executive Robert Craig added: “We are delighted to be working with Police Scotland on the Choices for Life Initiative and that the Tannahill was chosen as the venue for this hugely successful event. Ferguslie Park is a great community to live and work. Our most recent Tenant Satisfaction Survey evidenced that 92 per cent of tenants were satisfied with our management of the neighbourhood with 50 per cent saying that the neighbourhood had improved over the past 3 years.

“These results are only achievable through effective partnership with Police Scotland and other key community regeneration stakeholders. We look forward to further events at the Tannahill Centre.”