Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser | News | No place to play as kids are kept out

Sunday, 7th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 2nd July, 2008 12:00

No place to play as kids are kept out

By Hamish Hutchinson

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Menstrie's play park is closed to children as workmen dismantle the play equipment.

Pic by: Jan van der Merwe

CHILDREN living in Menstrie will not have a play park for half of their summer holidays much to the dismay of local parents.

The play area behind the Dumyat Centre is presently being dismantled to be replaced with new equipment.

It is part of an ongoing improvement programme by Clackmannanshire Council for its play parks across the county.

Council officials say the works, scheduled for four weeks, need to take place in the summer to ensure dry weather for moving heavy machinery.

But the timing of the work – which commenced just days after the schools had broken up for the holidays – has been met with criticism from parents in the village.

A mother-of-two contacted the Advertiser concerned at where the children will play.

She said, “Why do it at this time of year at the start of the school holidays? What are the kids going to do now to play – hang around the street and cause bother? It’s terrible.”

The Dumyat play park improvements include new swings, a modular play system, a tyre swing, play equipment for toddlers and a central footpath.

The decision to upgrade the play area was made after consultation with the Menstrie Community Council.

Allan Gall, Team Leader Land Services, said, “We are working hard to get the work finished in a tight, four week schedule.

“The improvements to Dumyat play park are part of the ongoing capital programme of works on parks across the county.

“Unfortunately, some of this work has to take place in the summer because dry weather is needed for heavy machinery to be moved.

“Nor can the council do all of the work simultaneously, so in this case Menstrie park is being improved first to avoid disruption in Alva at the time of the Alva Games.

“In total, the council maintains 79 equipped play parks in Clackmannanshire.

“The nearest to Menstrie, while these improvements are underway, is in Alva.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the closure but hope that children and parents will enjoy the improved park and new equipment in Menstrie for many years to come.”

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