Shame council into action

Sir, The sorry saga of the childrens’ playpark on the front green in Lochgilphead continues (Argyllshire Advertiser front page, August 4).

Due to the playpark being vandalised again, and some of the play equipment being removed due to safety reasons, surely now is the time to sort this problem out before any new or repaired equipment is installed.

I have written to this paper before suggesting the playpark should be moved next to the police station further along the front green. Using the police station’s wall, an area could easily be fenced off to accommodate a new playpark.

If CCTV was also installed and linked into the police station, this would provide better security for the children from potential predators and deter any vandalism, thus saving the council money.

A further adjacent area of land could be set aside to provide, at a future date, an enclosed all-weather soft play area for children.

The metal fencing surrounding the play areas could be softened by a wide flower bed of spikey plants, such as berberis, which would again deter vandalism to the fence. Regarding the defunct paddling pool, why not convert it into a focal point on the front green?

It could easily be made into a water lily pond, enclosed within a wide stone raised flower bed with sloping flower beds around the stone walls, thus acting as a colourful safety barrier.

I am sure local builders and builders supply depots would freely offer the materials and labour needed to complete this project for the benefit of locals and visitors.

Lastly, let’s get The Beechgrove Garden team involved and shame Argyll and Bute Council into action.

Then we can all thank the builders and the like and enjoy a huge street party on the front green. Name and address supplied