COWDENBEATH Area Committee has welcomed the proposal to produce a four year strategy for play facilities in the Central Fife area. The action plan sets out work required to improve the quality of playparks in the area.

Already the Cardenden Playpark Committee is busy raising money to replace equipment at the playpark in the New Carden area and there are plans to see a structured programme to tackle the problem which each community has.

Some of the recommended works include: Kelty – Possible site for renewal of existing play area and outdoor gym at Central Park.

Ballingry - Possible renewal of existing play area in Martin Crescent.

Cardenden - Remove existing equipment and replace to create a destination play area at Balgreggie open space along with upgrade of parks at Carden Avenue and Denfield Avenue.

Lochgelly – replacement of toddlers play area in the public park with a toddler/older children's destination play area

Cowdenbeath – replacement swing sets at Southfield and Church Street parks and a possible new Destination Play Area at Central Park.

Councillors on the committee were very aware of the problems in the two wards covered by them.

Councillor Rosemary Liewald said: "To fully replace the equipment at Carden Avenue in Cardenden it will take around £50,000, so it is excellent that the Playpark Committee in the village is working hard to raise funds to make this happen as soon as is possible."

Councillor Mary Lockhart added: "It is a very important issue and the sums involved to get all our playparks up to standard is significant but it is good that we have a strategy that is going to steer things forward.

"I also hope we will have an officer who will be in charge of directing things."

Councillor Alistair Bain was pleased about the work going on in Cowdenbeath as was Councillor Gary Guichan.

Committee convener, Councillor Linda Erskine, said a lot has already been done to improve the quality of play park facilities in the area: “We’ve seen some great progress.

"And often it’s down to of the hard work of voluntary groups and businesses who are dedicated to making the area a more attractive place to live and play in”

Future funding is highly dependent on the council’s budget. And, if funding is allocated consultation will take place in areas where there is a recommendation for replacement parks before any decision is made.

Cllr Erskine concluded: “I look forward to seeing the impact of these plans on our local environment over the next four years.

"I really believe that with the council and community working together we can improve the quality of play facilities in our area.”