Improvements have been made to the Forth Recreation Area thanks to a successful bid by Forth and District Initiative securing a grant of £235,745 from Forward Scotland.

The area has been re-vitalised through much needed work on the drainage system, the replacement of the blaes running track with a formalised tarmacadam track incorporating a 100m straight and complemented by the creation of a spectator seating area which can be used for a variety of events at the recreation area.

Councillor Gerry Convery, the chair of the South Lanarkshire Council's Community Resources Committee, said: "This recreation area was in desperate need of improvement and the council was happy to work with the Forth and District Initiative to transform the area into this fantastic community facility.

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"I am sure the people of Forth and the surrounding area will reap the benefits of this initiative for many years to come and it will now be a great asset to the people of the community."

A number of new access paths have also been created together with improved informal hard-standing areas for car parking etc. Traffic control measures and additional CCTV provision have also been incorporated.

Rena Whyte, fundraising co-ordinator of the Forth and District Initiative said: "The money allowed us to take our ideas for the park to the council and we were happy to work with them and are delighted with the results.

"We hope that our partnership with the council will be longstanding since we have now secured a further £18,000 to improve pathways in another area of the park."

The funding came from the Environmental Justice Fund which is managed by Forward Scotland with the extensive improvement works being carried out by Covanburn Contracts, Hamilton.

(GK/JM)