PLAY PARKS in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area are to benefit from a £1.3m investment over the next 18 months, following a decision at the Cowdenbeath Area Committee.

The move was backed by Wednesday's meeting and the Labour councillors were delighted to see play parks across the area benefit from the much need investment.

Lochs councillor, Alex Campbell, said: "We know that families in our communities value good quality play parks and we want to make sure that we have the best facilities possible for our children.

"This is the largest investment in our play parks for many years and will significantly improve access to good quality play facilities.

"All the evidence shows that if young people have access to good play parks they will be more active, which improves their wellbeing and general health. "At the moment many people leave the Cowdenbeath Area to visit play parks in other areas because of the poor quality of local parks, with this investment will start a process that will transform our parks into some of the best play facilities in Fife."

Lochgelly and Cardneden Councillor, Mark Hood, who chaired the Area Committee and is standing down in May’s election, praised the work of local groups: "We have a great deal of local groups who are working hard to raise money to improve their local play parks.

"It has been their support that has allowed us to make this investment and it will be their hard work that ensure these parks are a success.’

Among the projects is Hill of Beath Skate Park, Hill of Beath Multi Use Games Area and Hill of Beath Play Park.

Also Crossgates MUGA, Kelty Play Park, Cowdenbeath Skate Park, Benarty Cycle Park, Bowhill MUGA, Bowhill Play Park, Lochgelly Play Park and Lochgelly Skate Park.