A proposed children’s playpark proved an unlikely political battlefield at yesterday’s city growth meeting.
SNP Kincorth, Nigg and Cove member Alex Nicoll submitted a motion calling for the former Craighill school site to be opened up to allow the area’s youth a green place to play.
Mr Nicoll said the site had been lying empty for five years and, although identified for housing, there had been no progress.
A fence prevents entry and Mr Nicoll wanted to investigated whether it could be removed and the grass inside “tidied up” to enable it to see use as a children’s play area.
Colleagues, however, argued that such a step could attract antisocial behaviour.
Mr Nicoll said: “We should investigate to see if we can bring forward a new place for children to play and ride their bikes.
“This fits in with the council’s objectives on healthy living.”
Torry and Ferryhill Conservative Alan Donnelly was among those to raise concerns about the idea – as he also drew attention to a recently refurbished playpark a short distance away.
He said: “I don’t think we should be wasting the time or money.”
Mr Nicoll’s motion was defeated by five votes to four.
