Parents renew calls to reopen playpark

PARENTS in Broughty Ferry have renewed calls for the playpark to be repaired and reopened after being left derelict for four years.

The Lawers Drive park in Panmurefield was locked up after several bouts of vandalism.

Children were at the forefront of calls to have it reopened last year, with one girl even writing a letter about it.

But owner Greenbelt Energy Ltd (GEL) said the costs of constantly repairing the site were unsustainable.

Mum Paula Feeney said: “GEL said they would cut back the bushes to prevent the vandalism and it’s not been touched.

“They’re not trying to do anything to open it up, it’s an absolute mess.

“It’s so frustrating because even if they took away the equipment, the kids could use it as an open outdoor space.

“There are no other parks nearby that they can go to, there’s just a baby park or a bit of grass nearby.

“It’s a shame because all the other schemes have such nice parks, and it’s another year where we can’t go near the area.

“I’ve lost a bit of hope with it now.”

Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan has asked council officers to look into how GEL secured the contract in the first place.

He said: “Residents are being short-changed and the current situation is completely unsatisfactory.

“Greenbelt has persistently refused to act upon police advice to cut down the foliage.

“The ball is very much in their court.

“For quite some time now outdoor activities have been permissible, so what is the problem?”

A spokesman for GEL said the park remains a target for antisocial behaviour, which the company has spent “many thousands of pounds” to repair.

He said: “We are still intending to reduce the roadside shrubs as soon as possible.

“However the unprecedented impact of recent storms meant that all non-essential work had to be postponed as safety to people and property was the priority.

“Tree surgeons throughout the country have spent months clearing up the aftermath.

“We hope the shrub reduction will reduce the incidents of antisocial behaviour and we will continue to monitor the situation.

“In the meantime, for important safety as well as financial reasons, regretfully the park must remain closed.

“We can confirm, however, it remains our intention, if there is a marked reduction in antisocial behaviour, to look at a potential long-term plan.”

Councillor Craig Duncan with parents and children demanding that action is taken to reopen the playpark on Lawers Drive.