Closure of play parks branded 'unsafe' triggers angry response in Highland communities; Online campaign group set up by Muir of Ord mum challenges closure of play areas in region
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Furious parents are demanding a halt to the closure of play parks deemed dangerous by Highland Council.
Workmen have begun removing play equipment or closing play areas in various locations, including Beauly and Inverness, to the upset of children and parents who say the facilities are particularly vital during the pandemic.
In some instances, they have been told it is down to insufficient bark – designed to cushion falls from equipment – while Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson and Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael were surprised by closures in their ward.
The move comes in the wake of a council report in December estimating the cost of repairs, maintenance and replacement was £3.4 million across 339 council-owned play parks.
An online campaign group, Highland Play Park Closures, has been started by Muir of Ord mother Dawn McArthur who feels communities are being put under pressure to take on the responsibility of play areas when it should be that of Highland Council.
"Parks are in my mind as essential as bins being emptied, roads being gritted or blocked drains being cleared," she said.
"Parks are used not only by the community they are based in, they are used by a wider community.
"On day trips, families visit new play parks as it’s a safe, fun place for kids to play.
"Highland Council are responsible for all the parks. They need to get them all safe and open for the good of our kids."
In Beauly, the removal of equipment from Orchard Park and Aird Road prompted an outcry.
Mother-of-two Angela Blake, of Orchard Park, said her son came home from nursery crying.
"Yes, the equipment was old but I have never felt it unsafe," she said.
"I think it was just too much of a cost and responsibility for the council but this is now at the cost of children."
Kirsty Henderson, who has a toddler, said: "The children have gone through so much this year and have had so much taken away from them already, and now that the weather is getting better they don’t have parks to play in any more."
Another mother Laura Tulloch was infuriated that a planning condition of a nearby housing development included a play area yet children in older developments were being denied equipment.
"I feel Highland Council has failed our communities and has no interest in the health and wellbeing of our children who have had to spend the best part of the year indoors and away from any friends and who are now facing a summer without having the play park they loved so much," she said.
Mother-of-three Sarah Finnigan said: "Beauly is earmarked for development over the next five to 10 years with new houses being built at the moment yet our amenities are lacking and underfunded."
Aird and Loch Ness councillors Margaret Davidson, Helen Carmichael and Emma Knox were taken by surprise by temporary parks closures in their ward.
In a joint statement, they said: "We have had discussions about the situation and are waiting for a detailed breakdown of why each affected play park is closed.
"Then, we can plan together to get them open and available as soon as possible."
Inverness South councillor Duncan Macpherson is unhappy about closures next to Duncan Forbes Primary School and at Maxwell Park in Cradlehall.
"There is no point in having upwards of £25 million in council reserves while our children are made to suffer," he said.
A council spokesman said: "We are having to close temporarily a number of sites, or take play items out of service, that are deemed unsafe following inspection.
"This is to protect children."
Related story: More flexible funding available for Highland Council play parks
Play park renovation in sights of Easter Ross councillors
