A new sports facility and play park has opened in the Bannerfield area of Selkirk.

The park, which has been named the Philiphaugh Freedom Park, has adapted a recreation space to make it accessible to all ages. The facility includes a new play park, a multi-use games area, a bike skills areas, landscaping and a number of pathways that will eventually be linked to allow for new routes proposed as part of the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme.

The Big Lottery Fund's Community Spaces programme donated £248,750 towards the project, while additional funding was also received by Eildon Housing Association, Thornfield Trust and Selkirk Common Good Fund. Stuart Davidson Architecture and contractor Wicksteed Leisure delivered the project.

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Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Communities, said: "This has been a fantastic project to be involved with as it transforms this part of Bannerfield and I'm sure will be enjoyed by families from well beyond the immediate area.

"It provides a multitude of ways to enjoy outdoor play and learn active skills, all of which will have an on-going benefit for health, learning and general well-being.

"I am delighted to see the planning and work put in to this project by Philiphaugh Community School rewarded today with the official opening of the play park, and I hope it will be a well-used and well looked after facility."

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund, Scotland Chair, added: "Our Community Spaces programme allows local people to get together and shape their neighbourhoods by making better use of outdoor and indoor spaces.

"This new play park and sports facility is an excellent example. It will be a place where people of all ages can go to enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle which will also contribute towards regeneration of the local area."

(JP/CD)