THE RESULTS of consultation into controversial proposals to remove equipment from more than 50 Angus playparks will go under the spotlight tomorrow.
Last October, communities across the district reacted with anger over a report suggesting 173 pieces of obsolete play equipment should be removed from 51 parks because they are uneconomic to repair or fall short of safety standards.
There were protests and an online campaign in response to the council’s plans.
More than 1,000 people completed the online or paper surveys and a 2,273-signature petition was submitted by the Protect Our Parks group.
The full breakdown of responses from all of the council wards will be presented to neighbourhood services councillors at their meeting in Forfar tomorrow afternoon.
However, officials have made no direct recommendations over the future of any park.
Neighbourhood services convener Ron Ashton said points to emerge from the consultation process included a majority in favour of retaining the play areas where equipment is under threat.
This was linked to fears younger children may have to travel further and cross busy roads to make their way to the bigger parks.
The single biggest response came in relation to the Winter Place Park in Carnoustie, with 74 responses in support of keeping its equipment.
Residents said it is a safe and well-used facility with equipment in good condition and the consultation generated a suggestion the community could sponsor the area.
There was also strong support of the park at Glenisla, which respondents said was well used by locals and visitors, given its location next to the church and hall.
They said it was an important facility for young families, since the nearest play ground is 10 miles away.
Committee convener Donald Morrison delivered a stark message that the cost of maintaining even the 50 parks earmarked to be saved is a major burden for the authority in straitened financial times.
“Of the 50 play parks proposed for retention, 28 sites are in need of upgrading ideally within the next one to three years, at an estimated cost of £1.21 million,” he said.
“The 51 sites identified for removal of equipment would require further funding of around £705,000 in addition to the £1.21m, giving a total funding requirement of £1.91m.”
He added: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the trouble to fill in the survey forms and emphasise again that we do not propose to close any play areas.
“Proposals relate only to the removal of certain items of play equipment.
“There were a variety of comments made in the surveys and I hope we will have a full discussion on these points at committee on Thursday.
“As well as asking for the opinions of the local community, we also arranged a meeting with Play Scotland, to discuss all aspects of how we manage our play areas while achieving maximum benefits in times of financial constraints.
“These comments and opinions will all help us to inform our thinking and decision-making as to the next steps.”
gbrown@thecourier.co.uk