A new and improved East Kilbride playpark has opened after the community rallied to have it reinstated.
The playpark at Hazelhead in St Leonards was removed last May with South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) citing persistent vandalism and safety issues as the reason behind the decision - with the move approved by the ward’s then three councillors.
But it saw a backlash from angry local parents who say the equipment was taken away without any meaningful consultation and demanded that the play area was reinstated.
The calls were backed by now Green councillor for the East Kilbride East ward, Kirsten Robb, and a campaign was launched.
Meanwhile, the three councillors at the time - Graham Scott, Gladys Miller and Jim Wardhaugh - also worked with council officers behind the scenes to secure funding for new facilities.
The sitting three councillors and former councillor, Jim Wardhugh, joined youngsters this week at the playpark to see for themselves the revamped space.
Councillor Kirsten Robb told Lanarkshire Live : "We are delighted the park has now re-opened.
"After it was closed, the community and I gave our all over a long period of time to ensure that our legal right to be consulted on changes to our local greenspaces was upheld.
"Seeing the children enjoying the park makes it all worthwhile - they have a right to play and a right to be heard and no one should take that away from them.
"A huge thank you to everyone involved in the campaign."
Councillor Graham Scott added: "I, obviously, welcome, the opening of the new play area at Hazelhead.
"As local councillors, myself, Gladys Miller and Jim Wardhaugh were the driving forces in terms of funding and design that brought this project to fruition.
"I have had positive feedback from constituents that they like councillors from different political persuasions coming together for the greater public good, and that greater public good was clearly served in this case by the three of us, alongside the work of council officers, making sure the new play area happened.
"I believe this will be a huge asset for the community going forwards."
Councillor Gladys Miller went on: "The work of my colleagues and I with the officers was truly worthwhile. What a difference this makes to the area and the children love the new play equipment.
"It is a wonderful asset now."
A local parent added: "As a member of the local community we would like to thank Kirsten for her hard work in getting our park back. I am so happy and so are the kids."
Kevin Carr from SLC, said: “Following a successful independent inspection by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the play area was able to be opened to the public and is currently being enjoyed by the local community.”
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