Scottish Borders Council has announced that construction work on a new play park in Galashiels is underway.

Contractors HAGS are expected to take 12 weeks to complete the new £290,000 facility. An opening ceremony is due to take place in late May.

The new development will include:

• Areas for children up to six years of age

• Areas for older children

• Items of equipment not available elsewhere in Scotland

• A special play train

• Wet pour rubber safety surfacing

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• Specific facilities for children with additional needs

The park will be on the site of the current public park and will be enclosed by fencing.

The project is jointly funded from the councils play parks budget, Galashiels Pay and Display car parking fund surpluses and £10,000 grant from Tesco's Bags of Help scheme.

The council involved local school children in the development of the project, alongside Galashiels Community Council.

In a joint statement, Galashiels & District Councillors, Sandy Aitchison, Andy Anderson, Euan Jardine and Harry Scott, said: "This new play park for Galashiels will be amongst the best in the Borders, providing children of all ages and abilities in the area with a modern and exciting facility to enjoy.

"A grand opening for the play park is planned but until then we would ask local children and families to be aware of the works currently taking place and not to stray onto the construction site."

(MH)