'We deserve better' call over Strathpeffer park drive as play equipment fenced off

THE plight of fed-up children this week denied access to crumbling play equipment in a vibrant, rapidly growing village has prompted a fresh call to arms over a transformational community hub project.

The scenario facing Strathpeffer is being mirrored across Ross-shire as play park swings, slides and climbing frames past their best are stripped out on health and safety grounds – with no funding to replace them.

As activists behind ambitious plans for a new four-acre community park and amenity space this week watched their devastated children faced with nothing to play on, they declared: "We deserve better. The time to act is now."

Defects with the equipment, located close to the primary school, were identified during an annual independent inspection carried out on behalf of Highland Council.

A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: "During our annual independent inspections, some items of play equipment were found to have defects that required a speedy response to ensure the safety of park users. So until we can fully assess the extent of the defects, and how we will deal with them, we have fenced off these items.

“The park is in the process of being transferred to the Strathpeffer residents under a community asset transfer along with the adjoining open space. The residents have ambitious plans to enhance the whole area and develop it for community use."

Sharing news of the latest development with Strathpeffer Residents Association (SRA), which has already made big steps towards realising its vision, David Genney said: "It is a sad day for Strathpeffer. We believe our community deserves better than this. Help us to deliver the park that our village longs for – We need you to join the SRA and show your support for our cause. We simply cannot do this without the community's support and membership is the primary way of showing your support. As you can see, the time to act is now."

In April, the SRA secured a £38,000 grant from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the site from Highland Council. It wants to turn the overgrown site into a community space with dedicated play areas, an orchard and a bike track.

It now depends on a series of significant funding applications, in addition to its own fundraising, to make the dream a reality over the next two years. Increasing its membership – which is free of charge – is one key way to persuade funders of local demand.

Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd, said: "As a resident of Strathpeffer, I must congratulate the hard work and commitment that the local resident group has shown in this huge undertaking. The park itself will include gardens for all abilities, path networks, wild plants and trees, benches as well as fun equipment such as a zip wire.

"The park will enable visitors and locals alike to relax and enjoy the beautiful area around Strathpeffer. It will attract footfall to the village, bringing with it economic benefits to local businesses. Green space investment benefits all of us now, and will also encourage healthy outdoor activity for generations to come. All power to them!”

Local councillor Ian Cockburn said: "It's a great idea. What a lot of folk don't realise is that this equipment is very expensive so people really need to pull together to get it done."

Strathpeffer's plight prompted a response from Muir of Ord community activist Mike Atkinson who said: "Here in Muir of Ord something similar has happened. We are faced with raising £10k to £20k to replace two bits of equipment or the kids go without. There is a tiny council budget available to contribute. Some big village discussions coming soon about what WE (volunteers) should be responsible for."

To find out more about the project, see www.strathpeffercommunitypark.org/how-you-can-help.html

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