Game zone progress after concerns raised
Fears over the impact of a new sports development in Shotts have been laid to rest.
A multi-use games area (MUGA) is currently being built near Greystonelee Road, but initial confusion and a lack of communication meant many residents weren’t happy with the project.
H o w e v e r, a f t e r a m e e t i n g w i t h Councillor Claire Quigley and the council’s community capacity building worker Morene Simpson, residents have been reassured and many say they are looking forward to the benefits the project will bring.
The development is part of the participatory budgeting vote in 2019, and was suggested by Getting Better Together in Shotts as a need for the area.
The MUGA is a caged basketball and football park, and will give local kids something to do locally once lockdown begins to be lifted.
Councillor Claire Qgy Quigley explained p that issues with lockdown and contractor error lead to initial confusion.
She said: “GBT came up with the idea for the MUGA and that was put to a local vote in 2019, where a majority decided it was a good idea.
“There was also a vote to decide where the MUGA would be best to be built, with a majority choosing Greystonelee Road.
“The contractor started work this month, and has apologised to residents for failing to notify them that they were going to start work.
“Residents now understand what is happening and are relatively happy with what is being built.
“This will allow for no more than sevena-side games to be played, and will be fenced off as well as accessed from a separate path from Greystonelee Road.
A council spokesperson said: “The new £80k multi-use games area was identified by people in the community as a priority for development as a result of a participatory budgeting vote by people in the Fortissat area in 2019.
“O “Our contractor sho should have issued noti notices ahead of work start starting and we would like to apologise to any anyone who has been inc inconvenienced by this work.
“W “We believe that this project – along wit with other potential com community projects –w – will become an mu much-valued asset for the community and we will continue to work with local peo people to make it a suc success.”