RESIDENTS in Gretna continue to call for replacements to Central Avenue’s park where children have just one swing now to use.
And they are being backed by local politicians in calls for the urgent replacement of equipment, which was taken away for safety reasons.
Both South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth and Annandale East and Eskdale Councillor Archie Dryburgh wish to ultimately see a full revamp of the area, with the creation of a fully-inclusive playpark.
Cllr Dryburgh has agreed to chair a new action group in Gretna, set up by the community council in an attempt to earn a grant of up to £125,000.
He said: “I’ve urged the council to replace equipment removed for safety reasons and this is now on order.
“But it’s time for a full revamp of the park to make it fully inclusive and I’ve agreed to chair a new community group to develop plans to give Gretna the park it deserves.
“There has been great interest from parents from Sparklers Nursery and Primary groups to take this project forward and we will be meeting on a monthly basis to develop good community engagement.”
Meanwhile, Mr Smyth added: “The park in Central Avenue is very popular but right now it is not fit for purpose. We are urging the council to replace the missing equipment without delay.
“However, in the long run, this park needs a full revamp.”
To find out when the Central Avenue Playpark Action Group meets, visit Gretna and Rigg Community Council’s Facebook page.
