Two play parks have been forced to close in East Ayrshire after they were found to be unfit for purpose.

The parks, located at Stitt Place and Garpel Avenue, had until recently been leased to Muirkirk Enterprise Group. The group were responsible for ongoing maintenance at the sites, but an inspection found that the facilities do not meet the required safety standards. As a result, the local authority has instructed the parks' immediate closure to prevent injury or harm to those who use them.

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Arrangements are now being made to remove defective equipment at the sites and make them safe.

Chris McAleavey, Acting Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, commented: "As responsibility for these play parks has now transferred back to the Council we have a duty of care to protect the young people and their families who use these facilities. These sites are presently being secured to prevent further access while we make appropriate arrangements to remove the defective equipment and make the sites safe.

"Understandably local residents will be disappointed by this recent development, particularly during the school holiday period, but we would encourage them to make full use of the two other play parks nearby, at Victory Park and Cairn View Park. Last year, East Ayrshire Council invested almost £140,000 on the installation of regulatory standard outdoor play equipment at these facilities to provide children and young people in Muirkirk with a safe and clean play environment."

(JP/CD)