Path urged

A group dedicated to making Holmshill Park a place for play, learning, recreation and nature is demanding South Lanarkshire Council improves drainage on site.

Friends of Holmshill Park say the local authority has failed to address recurring flooding on the path between Stewarton Drive and Cathkin High School.

Running through the park, the path has, the friends argue, been flooding for around two years since Cathkin High School was built. And as the path is the most direct route to Cathkin High for dozens of children, students have been turning up for lessons soaked.

Michelle Farmer, a founding member of Friends of Holmhills Community Park, says South Lanarkshire Council’s failure to install appropriate drainage flies in the face of its own walk to school campaign.

“As others have said in the Reformer in recent weeks, there has been a consistent lack of investment in the routes that children actually want to use to get to school,” Michelle said. “This path has been in a terrible state for years. Drainage is so bad that it is impassable when it rains.”

The park is increasingly used by Cathkin High School teachers to implement the curriculum for excellence in science and PE. It has also been used by local nurseries as outdoor learning environment and as a venue by Get Walking Lanarkshire.

Michelle said: “This park is used by all members of the community, therefore, the paths have to be in- line with the pathway standards South Lanarkshire Council has set. I call on the council to fulfil responsibilities. Blaming it on budget cuts is no answer. If the public money is not there, help us look for external grant funding or private sponsorship or another creative solution. The community will provide voluntary support.”

Stephen Kelly, head of facilities, waste and ground services, said: “Many areas can be susceptible to water lying after heavy rain but this doesn’t necessarily reflect a serious flooding or drainage problem.

“We are happy to meet with the group and discuss their concerns.”