A survey into proposed investment in Lanarkshire playparks has concluded.
A Scottish Government initiative is set to funnel £3.5 million into benefitting play areas for kids over the next few years, with £300,000 being invested in the next year.
Now the local authority has revealed that they received scores of responses to their survey asking for where needed the investment.
Over 6000 responses were received in total.
Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor John Anderson told Lanarkshire Live: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the survey.
“We also plan to undertake a physical assessment of each site and it is anticipated that this exercise will be completed by June 2022.
“It is our intention that once we have up to date site information and estimated costs, spend options will be submitted for approval.”
The council has been given £298,000 for 2021/22 and 2022/23 of the £10m budget allocated to date by the Scottish Government, which equates to 5.96 per cent of the funds allocated.
The funds are likely to be allocated over the period of 2021 to 2026 and if the same percentage is used for the remaining £55m, the council will receive around £3.5m in total.
Councillor Anderson added: “The refurbishment of a play area can cost between £30,000 and £350,000 depending on its size.
“While we welcome this additional funding, we will not be able to transform all of the council’s 233 play sites which is why the survey was designed to let us know which ones people feel we should prioritise.
“It’s worth remembering that any money allocated can only be used to refurbish existing fixed play areas owned by the council, for critical maintenance and to make the areas more accessible and inclusive for a range of abilities.”
Last year Lanarkshire Live revealed how Rutherglen and Cambuslang only had 17 of South Lanarkshire's 233 play parks, prompting calls from local councillor Robert Brown for further investment there in particular.
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