Parents fighting to save their local playpark have been offered fresh hope by their local councillor.
Residents of Matthews Drive in Perth reacted angrily to letters informing them that play equipment would be removed within a matter of weeks.
They claimed that there had been no opportunity to speak out against the move, which is part of an extensive cost-cutting programme being undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council.
Local councillor Callum Gillies admitted he was surprised that many local parents had been unaware of the planned closure. He plans to help them make up for lost time, however, and has already been in talks with senior council chiefs in a bid to help the community take on the park.
Across the region some 19 play areas each in a neighbourhood that already boasts a park have been identified for closure.
The decision has not proved popular, however, and a campaign on Facebook Save the Matthews Drive Play Park has already attracted almost 100 supporters.
Though Perth and Kinross has indicated it will remove play equipment and resurface parks earmarked for closure, communities will have the opportunity to adopt their local park if they can maintain its safe upkeep.
”I fully support the community’s efforts to keep this playpark open,” Councillor Gillies said. ”I have spoken to the council’s parks development manager Andy Clegg to see what can be done.
”If the residents are happy to take it on then I back them in that as I do not want to see any of these playparks closed.
”The community will have to look at issues such as insurance and health and safety but I am sure that support will be available to help them do this.”