Aberdeenshire Council is still seesawing over a decision on the location of a new children’s play park in Macduff.
Earlier this year, locals in the town rallied round a petition to have play equipment installed at the site of a multimillion-pound sports complex in the Myrus area after it was revealed the plans had been dropped.
During a visit to the site by local councillors, it had been discovered that the area where the slides and swings were to be provided was “dangerously” close to a car park and access road.
It was instead proposed that the equipment be provided at Macduff Primary School.
However, local woman Kim Adams gathered more than 1,400 signatures calling for the council to uphold its original commitment.
Now, despite the authority tabling plans to move football pitches back from the road side to accommodate the play park as per residents’ wishes, it is still considering Macduff Primary School as an alternative.
In his report on the scheme, Stephen Archer, the council’s director of infrastructure services, said the school was a “potential” option.
He added that the facility already had its own equipment which children could use.
He added: “However, there may be some potential scope to use some of the ground for additional play equipment.”
Mr Archer’s report noted that concerns over using the school for the general public included the disruption it could cause to classes during term time.
Residents using the school grounds outwith its opening hours could also be deemed a “security issue”.
He added: “It would appear that the option to use Myrus playing field provides significantly more benefits than Macduff Primary School.”
Councillors will vote on which of the two sites they prefer next week.
