North Ayrshire Council have approved a £500,000 renewal plan for coastal playparks across the region.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, and Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for the Green New Deal and Sustainability, visited Winton Circus in Saltcoats this week and met with community group Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Team (SALT) - to confirm this is one of a number of play parks across North Ayrshire's coastline that is earmarked for Council investment.

Back in June, the Council committed the £500,000 as part of their Recovery and Renewal plans.

The money was set aside for the upgrade of coastal playparks as it was recognised that our physical environment and the outdoors were an essential part of the recovery from the pandemic. It would also help the Council have sustainable infrastructure for communities to enjoy and to help promote tourism.

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After visiting Winton Circus, Councillor Cullinane said: "North Ayrshire's coastline is our greatest natural asset and we are delighted to be investing £500,000 of Council funding to enhance our coastal playparks.

"As a father of two young girls, I spend many an hour pushing them on swings or taking them on slides so appreciate just how invaluable facilities like this one are to communities and families.

"Not only that but our coastal playparks are also really valued by people visiting our regions.

"Playing outdoors has always been important to the wellbeing of kids but the pandemic has shone a light on that more than ever."

Councillor Jim Montgomerie added: "This is an important step for us and we are delighted to be working with SALT to develop plans for the playpark at Winton Circus.

"We look forward to having further discussions with local groups and elected members to discuss our plans for our coastal play parks across North Ayrshire."