A series of improvement works are underway at play parks in Muirkirk, East Ayrshire Council has confirmed.

The play parks, located at Garpel Avenue and Pagan Walk, were forced to close in July 2014 after an inspection revealed a number of health and safety concerns.

Declared no longer fit for purpose, the local authority made the decision to remove the existing equipment from the sites, reinstate the ground and install new play facilities. Work to remove the old equipment started last week at Pagan Walk, with work due to commence at Garpel Avenue this week. The council has said it expects both facilities to open before the end of the year.

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Councillor Douglas Reid, Spokesperson for Strategic Planning, Management and Resources, said: "As the Council has responsibility for the play parks, we have a duty of care to protect young people and their families who use these facilities. We are therefore very pleased to announce that work is now under way to create the new play park which will feature colourful, modern play equipment that I'm sure local children will be very excited to play on."

Two other play parks nearby, at Victory Park and Cairn View Park, remain open.

(JP/IT)