A Perth councillor is calling for money to be found to refurbish a playpark which has been closed all summer due to safety reasons.
Willie Wilson said he had received a number of complaints from residents of the unavailability since spring of the play area beside the Scouring Burn, adjacent to Coldstream Avenue and Innerleithen Way.
“I have already taken this matter up with the environment service and have raised objections to the park being closed for so long,” he said.
“I have been advised that the park will remain closed because there is no money available in the budget to carry out the necessary repairs. I find this situation completely unacceptable.
“If we do not have enough money in the budget in the environment service to carry out basic repairs to our parks then we have come to a sorry pass.
“These play areas are absolutely essential to allow youngsters the freedom to play in safety away from roads and traffic.
“I understand the pressures that are on the budget and the difficulties that officers in the environment service face on this but, at the end of the day, it’s the council’s overall responsibility to ensure that we maintain what we’ve got.
“At present the surfacing is not safe and requires a major overhaul and some of the equipment is basically on its last legs.”
Mr Wilson said money must be found and directed by the council into the parks repairs budget.
A spokesman for the council said: “The playpark beside the Scouring Burn in Perth is closed due to its condition which requires a full refurbishment to address.
“The environment service has a limited capital budget for all community greenspace infrastructure including bridges, paths and playparks therefore prioritisation of projects is required.
“The council would, however, intend to carry out refurbishment of this playpark next year subject to available funding.
“We appreciate that its closure will have caused disappointment in the local community, however, we would wish to ensure the safety of all users.
“The next nearest playpark is on Dryburgh Crescent.
“In the meantime we are looking at whether any revenue funding can be used to extend the usable life for the play area until such times as a full refurbishment can be undertaken.”