Communities across North Lanarkshire are set to benefit this year as the Local Development Programme (LDP), delivered by the council's Community Partnership Team, brings forward a broad package of improvement projects spanning all nine Community Board areas.

The programme will enhance play facilities, celebrate local heritage and create greener public spaces, with work already under way in several locations and further schemes scheduled for completion throughout the year.

In Airdrie, plans include a new pump track at Airdrie Leisure Centre in Rawyards, a refreshed play area in Petersburn, and upgrades at Caldercruix. Heritage will be highlighted through the Lost Villages Project, which will install signposts referencing the area's mining history.

Bellshill will benefit from new play areas in Holytown and Mossend, alongside a multi-use games area (MUGA) at Clay Crescent.

In Coatbridge, the Bargeddie play area has been completed, with a new MUGA to follow. Residents can also expect a new "Welcome to Coatbridge" sign and the next phase of the Secret Garden project in Dunbeth Park.

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Cumbernauld's programme features new play areas at Alanfauld Road and Eastfield, environmental improvements on Main Street, and the first stage of the Peace Garden Memory Walk.

Kilsyth and surrounding villages are set for a new MUGA at Old Mill View, an upgraded play area at Colzium Park, and new heritage signage for the town.

Motherwell will host one of the year's most prominent heritage projects with the unveiling of the Tommy Gemmell Statue in Craigneuk on 28 February. Additional works include outdoor gyms in Newarthill and Glenmore, a new play area at Fife Drive, and a walking path with benches plus a bog garden in George Street Park.

In the Northern Corridor, recent completions include the Moodiesburn play area, Bluebell Park outdoor teaching space and the Auchinloch outdoor gym, with a new outdoor gym for Moodiesburn planned this year.

Shotts is set to receive a new play area in Eastfield Harthill and new benches in Stane Garden.

Wishaw will commemorate local music icon Sydney Devine with a memorial plaque outside his former primary school in Cleland. Upgrades are also planned for the Cambusnethan and Waverley Drive play areas, along with a new welcome sign for Coltness.

Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of Communities, said: "These projects show our commitment to investing in local areas, working closely with local groups and listening to what communities want. "From play parks for our youngest residents to heritage features that celebrate our history, this is about creating spaces everyone can enjoy and be proud of."

For further details, visit the Local Development Programme page on North Lanarkshire Council's website. Upgrades to play areas are supported by the Scottish Government's Play Area Renewal Fund.