For immediate release:

LOCAL PLAY PARKS TO BE REFURBISHED ANNOUNCED BY COUNCIL

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed plans to renew play parks across Rutherglen and Cambuslang with Scottish Government funding.

Prior to the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP stood on a pledge to invest £60 million over the course of this parliamentary term to renew public, free-to-access play parks across Scotland.

South Lanarkshire Council is set to receive over £3.5 million from the Scottish Government to improve facilities throughout the local authority area.

Local MSP Clare Haughey had responsibility for the policy when she was Children’s Minister.

In a letter to Ms Haughey, South Lanarkshire Council has confirmed the local play parks in line for upgrades – these are: Barnflat Street at Farme Cross, Sheildaig Road in Fernhill, Hamilton Crescent Play Area in Halfway, Westburn Community Hall Play Area, Quarryfield Park Play Areas in Eastfield, and Cambuslang Park Play Area.

South Lanarkshire Council plan on tendering the proposed improvements for these play areas shortly to allow the works to be programmed and completed before the end of the current financial year of March 2024.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“Although the maintenance of play parks is the responsibility of local authorities, it is clear that the Scottish Government recognises the value of playing outdoors through this significant investment.

“Playing outdoors has huge benefits for children’s physical and mental wellbeing, and play parks ensure children can access high quality safe environments free of charge as families grapple with the cost of living crisis.

“When I was Children’s Minister, I was proud to drive forward the policy of renewing play parks and so I am delighted the plans for Rutherglen and Cambuslang have now been announced.

“I look forward to seeing the play parks renewed and refurbished over the coming months.”

ENDS