More than a decade after saving their much-loved playpark from closure, a group of Aberfeldy parents are to reprise their fight.
Equipment at Tayside Crescent has been earmarked for removal by Perth and Kinross Council as part of budget cuts, much to the chagrin of locals who faced a similar challenge in 2000.
They have now vowed to join the battle once again to provide their children with a safe place to play.
Although parents were advised they will be able to use Victoria Park instead, many feel that it is unsuitable for young families.
Leading the campaign to retain the Tayside Crescent play park is Val Ferguson, who told The Courier failure is not an option for them.
“I have already been on to local politicians and they have told me that they will write to the council to tell them where we stand,” she said. “If the park was quiet we could understand why they would want to get rid of it, but it’s used all the time.
“Children come from all over the town to play here because, despite spending tens of thousands of pounds on it, Victoria Park has gone to wrack and ruin.
“It’s covered in broken glass and there are under-age drinkers hanging about, so I wouldn’t want to let my children go there.”
She has already gathered support from other parents and residents and believes they will make a stand at tonight’s meeting of Aberfeldy Community Council.
They have also set up a petition and hope to repeat the success of their original protest, which attracted around 1000 signatures and some die-hard protesters have pledged to chain themselves to equipment if need be.
However, the most pressing concern for Val is the removal of parts of the play equipment over the last few weeks.
She said, “Some workers came along and took the roofs off the little house bits that form part of the climbing frame. I was told that they were going to be carrying out repairs, but they haven’t been back since so I’m worried what that means for Tayside Crescent.
“We don’t know what they will do with the land either if they take away the equipment. Our biggest fear is that someone will decide to build flats there because we don’t want that we just want somewhere safe and fun for our children to go.”
A council spokeswoman confirmed Tayside Crescent is one of 20 play areas proposed for closure as part of efforts to make £115,000 of savings.
She also told The Courier part of the play equipment had been removed because the wood was rotten and that it would not be replaced until a decision was made on the park’s future.
Regarding Victoria Park, she said, “Cleaning and litter removal is carried out on a regular basis at the park. However, we will look into the issue that parents have raised and undertake any additional clean-up required.”