A last-ditch attempt has failed to save 19 Perthshire playparks from closure.
A motion by Councillor Callum Gillies to throw out recommendations to bin the play areas failed, while a second by Councillor Ian Campbell was outvoted.
Perth and Kinross Council’s environment committee had been discussing a report as part of efforts to save the local authority tens of thousands of pounds.
The 19 parks are in Aberfeldy, Perth, Alyth, Crieff, Kinross, Birnam and Fossoway. Council officers had targeted areas where it was believed there was “overlapping provision”, insisting that children could use parks nearby.
However, Mr Gillies told his colleagues these could be retained for a small annual cost, and the benefits would outweigh any negatives.
“I am told it costs between £1000 to £1500 per play area per year, as well as an additional £7000 to £8000 to ensure they meet health and safety requirements,” he said.
“The cost of removing them, storing them and upgrading the ground would cost more than just leaving them where they are.
“I don’t feel we should be taking play areas away from children. We are trying to get them out of the house and into the fresh air as soon as we can so they are active from a young age.”
Convener Councillor Alan Grant told Mr Gillies this would not be possible without other departments being forced to make significant savings to make up for the costs of keeping play areas.
Undeterred, Mr Campbell also made efforts to save the parks by putting forward an amendment to reject the closures and to reinstate the maintenance budget for the equipment.
Although this attracted more support than a similar motion by Mr Gillies, only five committee members voted for the amendment.
The motion to agree closure was carried with seven votes.
It is also proposed that any repairs or upgrades needed to adjacent sites which will cater for children who would have used the closed sites, will be undertaken to coincide with the closures.