Outdated language in new park rules under fire

PARK chiefs have been asked to drop outdated language from new regulations governing open spaces in Angus.

Rules for people visiting Keptie Pond in Arbroath have been drawn up to protect the park where volunteers are creating a biodiversity area.

But there have been clashes between the Keptie Friends group and locals over activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding.

The row, and vandalism incidents, are said to have left the volunteers morale “in tatters”.

Rules for the pond and park include a planned ban on canoeing, rafting, rowing and sailing in the shallow water, with swimming also prohibited.

Carnoustie SNP councillor Mark McDonald said: “It’s important we go with the recommendations, but do we as a council really want to be going out and consulting with the public with the way these rules have been written?

“They are very oldfashioned. I would like to see us consult in a more modern way.”

Carnoustie independent David Cheape said: “The rules are seven pages long and read like a list of red tape.

“They could be simplified to make it much more readable to the layman. I got to page two and turned off,” he said.

Communities director Stewart Ball said: “Obviously the spirit of these management rules is to persuade people to behave responsibly when they use the park.

“We will go into a public consultation period so I am more than happy to listen to any feedback on suggested changes to the wording and take them on board.”

The parks discussion also brought a plea from Arbroath SNP councillor Brenda Durno to look at putting padlocks on vandal-hit local hotspots.

It follows an incident last week when safety surfacing was damaged at Cliffburn Community Park in Arbroath – just a day after it reopened following more than £2,000 worth of repairs.

“I wonder if some parks could be locked up at night and opened again in the morning,” she said.