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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Nicola Findlay

East Kilbride councillor shares plans for new and improved play park

An East Kilbride councillor has shared plans for a new and improved playpark in the town with work on site now underway.

The removal of Hazelhead play park in St Leonards last May caused a backlash among the local community.

The local authority said the equipment in the play park was badly damaged due to persistent vandalism and had to be removed for safety reasons – with the approval of the ward’s three councillors.

A 'Space to Play' campaign was spearheaded by Kirsten Robb, who was elected to the East Kilbride East ward at the recent local elections. It also garnered the support of EK MSP, Collette Stevenson.

Councillor Gladys Miller also worked alongside Councillor Graham Scott and former councillor, Jim Wardhaugh, behind the scenes to secure new facilities after the removal of the original play park.

Locals voted for the reinstatement of Hazelhead park in St Leonards after a campaign led to a consultation by the council (EKN)

And a public consultation by South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) saw 77 per cent of people who responded stating that they wished to see facilities reinstated at Hazelhead play area.

Now Councillor Robb has shared plans for Hazelhead with council bosses confirming work has begun on site.

She told Lanarkshire Live : "After I was elected I wanted to improve community liaison about Hazelhead Park and so shared the plans with my local constituents.

"The community and I fought long and hard for the park to be replaced because opportunities for play are so important for our children's and their family's well being.

David Booth, executive director of community and enterprise resources, said: “After consulting with two local primary schools and the local councillors at the time the old equipment was removed.

"New equipment was purchased so there is now no scope for change. Ground works have started on site and work is ongoing.”

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