Councillor demands Craigie safety action

Residents point to risks at playpark

Perth City South councillor Willie Wilson is pressing for action to protect young children playing at a popular Craigie park.

The Lib Dem councillor would like to see some kind of barrier built around the play area at the park next to Darnhall Crescent to stop passing dogs pestering kids.

He also wants the council to carry out a safety inspection at a section of the Craigie Burn, where he fears youngsters could accidentally fall in.

“Local residents have raised two issues with me,” he explained. “One is that the play equipment area is easily accessible by dogs and one or two parents have reported that their children have been made nervous by being approached by dogs that are perfectly friendly but rather boisterous.

“I have asked if the council would consider placing a barrier or a fence round the play equipment. This would allow dog owners to run their dogs freely in the park but add an element of protection for younger children.

“The playpark was recently upgraded and I’m sure everyone wants the maximum enjoyment to be had by children in what should be an ideal and safe environment.

“The second issue relates to Craigie Burn itself. There has been consistent erosion over the years of the banking at the edge of the playpark.

“Part of this is fenced off but the other part is entirely open and there is a drop of approximately four to five feet from the edge of the playpark to the burn itself.

“Without wanting to sound overprotective, if small children were to wander across the park they might be unaware of the presence of the burn.

“It can be very fast-flowing and indeed dangerous.

“I have asked the council’s environment service to carry out a risk assessment.

“The primary objective is to provide a safe and comfortable environment where children and their families can enjoying playing.

“I will be advising local residents of the action taken early in the new year.”