Playtime for children as parks set for new equipment

FORRES play parks are getting their swings back!

After months without swings, including the entire summer holidays, Moray Council are finally set to replace equipment removed on safety grounds.

Following a meeting between Forres Community Council and local authority lands and parks officer, Ken Kennedy, it has been agreed that the location and type of equipment to be replaced at Bogton, Forbeshill and Pilmuir will be finalised once an independent assessor’s report is released next month.

“Our decision about replacement equipment won’t happen until I receive the report,” explained Mr Kennedy.

“However, we will refurbish the Randolph Lane site unless it is identified by the assessor as one of the sites that requires to be replaced, in which case it comes into the mix for the £12,000 pot of money.

“Forbeshill and Bogton will happen irrespective of the assessment.”

Rocking equipment at Grant Park will also be included in the review.

“It was agreed that we would refurbish the swings and the multi-unit at Randolph Lane on the assumption that it is not one of the sites put forward by our assessor for replacement,” added a council spokesman.

“The money is coming from the council’s capital allocation which, in effect, means that other play areas throughout Moray will have to be deferred to future years.”

Community councillor, Eleanor Hayward, is pleased with the outcome for Forres.

“Two sets of swings will be installed at Forbeshill, the same at Bogton with a climbing frame and baby swings, with new swings and a frame at Randolph Lane,” she said.

“I have also asked that the rockers be replaced at Grant Park and that any future equipment goes there.

“There will now be no requirement to make an application to the Berry Burn Community Fund - this has been a huge relief to me and a positive result.”