The long-awaited redevelopment of two parks in Lockerbie looks set to be rubber-stamped today.
Following a consultation with the public, proposals for new community facilities at McJerrow Park and King Edward Park are now being finalised.
The Lockerbie Trust had previously committed £500,000 in 2019 for the provision of improved park facilities in the area, but it has taken much longer than anticipated to get things moving.
The matter will be discussed at Lockerbie and Lochmaben Common Good sub committee today when seven key elements of the park upgrades will be put forward.
These include a water play feature, memorial cairn, events staging area/bandstand, outdoor gym, and changing places toilet all being introduced at McJerrow Park.
At King Edward Park, a pump track and a multi-use sports court have been put forward.
Money would also be set aside for lighting, CCTV, and new footpaths at both parks.
A council report due to be tabled at the sub committee reads: “Our community assets team will undertake a fortnightly inspection of play equipment installed and an annual independent inspection will be undertaken.
“Our council will also undertake small repairs and maintenance when required however should equipment, provided by the community be damaged beyond repair or get to the end of its lifespan our council will undertake to remove the equipment and will not replace it.
“Our council’s community assets’ manager has been involved throughout with Lockerbie Trust’s proposal and has advised that some aspects of the proposal would result in our council incurring additional ongoing revenue costs, specifically associated with the water play feature and changing places toilet.
“There is currently no additional service budget for maintenance associated with the changing places toilet.”
In order to make the parks redevelopment a reality, councillors are being asked to not only approve the seven new park features, but also to make a recommendation to the communities committee to foot the £2,600 bill each year for the running of the changing places toilet.
This is because a cleaning schedule would need to be put in place at a cost of £50 per week.
Funding approval from the communities committee would likely be the last hurdle before work can begin on the new look parks.
