A project to develop a new play park in Selkirk is moving forward after a contractor was appointed to the scheme.

Wicksteed Leisure has been named as the contractor to carry out the project, which has been made possible by a £248,750 grant from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland's Community Spaces programme.

The initiative is being led by Philiphaugh Community School.

The new play park will expand on the current, smaller space and will include:

• A large multi-use games area (MUGA)

• New play equipment

• A network of tarmac walkways which will eventually connect to footpaths being constructed as part of the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme.

In addition, the newest of the park's two existing swing sets will remain, while the older set will be removed to make space for swings, climbing areas and slides.

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The facilities will be accessible directly from the school grounds through a new gate, while access to the wider community will be possible through additional gates.

Work on Bannerfield Play Park is due to commence in mid-August, with the new equipment expected to welcome its first visitors in October.

Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Communities, said: "Everyone involved with the Bannerfield Active project has been keen to see works begin ever since being awarded Big Lottery funding in April this year.

"The revitalised play park will be a fantastic example of how communities can work together to create special places for everyone to enjoy and I am very much looking forward to seeing this new outdoor space take shape over the coming months."

Maureen McGinn, Chair of Big Lottery Fund Scotland, added: "Community Spaces allows local people to shape their neighbourhood by enhancing indoor and outdoor spaces. The redevelopment of Bannerfield Play Park will improve and broaden its use to include the whole community. Appointing the contractor to carry out this work is a major stage in the progress of the project and I wish it every success."

(JP/IT)