New nursery plans are no fun for youngsters
EMYLIE HOWIE
Kids in one of Cambuslang’s most deprived areas are to be without play facilities as the council tear down their multi-use play area (MUGA).
The Halfway facility is to make way for a new nursery.
And although news of the nursery planned for the Mill Road site is being welcomed by locals, the removal of the play facility is not.
Liisa Hepworth, secretary of Halfway community council, told the Reformer: “We are getting two new nurseries, which is fantastic.
“However, one of the nursery sites is beside Halfway bowling club and the council are talking about knocking down and removing the MUGA there and that is a no. It can’t happen.
“The council don’t maintain the MUGA. It is not well kept, but that is typical South Lanarkshire Council.
“Their argument is that it isn’t used, but that’s because the council have allowed it to be run down.
“Now, rather than maintain it and give the kids somewhere to play, they want to knock it down. Surely there must be an alternative site for the nursery?” Liisa added: “The area really needs something like a play park. There are new estates nearby and they have nothing for kids. It’s really sad.”
Responding to Halfway community council’s concerns, South Lanarkshire Council’s head of education Lynn Sherry said: “From August 2020 the council will have a statutory responsibility to ensure access for all three-yearolds and eligible two-year-olds to increased levels of nursery provision.
“The Mill Road project will be one such brand new facility created across South Lanarkshire of great benefit to many of the community, by allowing for the increased educational advantage of 1140 hours of early learning for children.
“It will also assist parents and families with childcare, including those in work, seeking work or wishing to increase working hours.
“However, we are also aware of the consultation which is currently still live and would seek to assure the community that there will be consideration given to the views gathered in respect of local facilities.”