A sense of ”realism” has emerged in the Angus debate over the county’s playparks, it has been claimed.
Angus Council is poised to remove equipment from up to 51 of its playparks as there is no money in ”an empty pot” to maintain them adequately.
A senior councillor has said a consultation exercise is proving some parents are adopting a pragmatic approach to what can be saved.
Neighbourhood services convener Donald Morrison said his SNP administration is facing a tough choice but he has seen some good come from meetings across Angus.
He told The Courier: ”The strength of feeling demonstrated at the consultations has shown us the idea to hold them was the right one.
”Though the turnout has been lower than expected, those who have attended have given positive, constructive and realistic views on the discussion.
”My vice-convener Jeanette Gaul and I have not been standing still on this issue and have been seeking alternatives; however, we need to wait to see the results of the consultation.”
Mr Morrison said he did not want to engage in a political war of words with local Labour figures, who yesterday said the administration is ”wrong” to blame its predecessors.
John Ruddy, chairman of the Labour Party in Angus, said: ”We believe that having easily accessible play areas right across Angus is vital for the future of our children.
”Every child deserves to have a play area within safe walking distance of their home.
”The savings to be made roughly a tenth of 1% of the budget of the Neighbourhood Services department are so small that other ways of achieving them could and should be found.
”There are parks proposed for closure that are in good condition and do not require expenditure on replacement equipment, so why close them?
”Ultimately, this is about priorities and the Scottish Government has recognised the value of play in its Getting it Right for Every Child strategy, which Angus Council has signed up to.
”The council must recognise that these closures would have a serious impact on the ability of a great many children to take part in activities which contribute to healthy growth and development.”
Labour councillor for Monifieth and Sidlaw, Margaret Thomson, said: ”I’ve been contacted by a lot of parents, and this is a very concerning issue.
”We must all work together to raise awareness of these closures, and ensure that the SNP administration takes note of people’s views.”
Mr Ruddy added: ”This SNP administration took action as soon as they came into office to halt the closure of two Arbroath primary schools due to the strength of public opinion.
”They should do the same now to lift the threats to these play areas.
”It’s wrong of them to blame the last administration, who quite rightly rejected this proposal from council officers.
”This is now their opportunity to show they care about the future of our children.”
Mr Morrison added: ”Sadly, this is typical double standards of the Labour party, as their lone Angus councillor was part of the administration which first saw the report in 2009.
”Labour failed to ensure that additional funding was kept aside for the management of playparks, leaving us now with an empty pot.
”Playparks themselves are not under threat it is the removal of equipment that has been proposed.”
A report on provision has been brought forward, and has identified 51 parks with 173 items of equipment which should be removed, and 50 in the county which should be retained and developed.
It would cost the council £140,000 to remove the equipment and reinstate the ground at the 51 parks.