UNITED IN PLANS FOR PLAY AREA
PLANS to get kids off the streets and into a safe play environment have been unveiled for an unused area of land in Gallowshade.
Members of Glens United are hoping to attract grant funding to provide local youngsters with a multi-purpose area which can be used for football, basketball and other sports, all played on a soft surface and surrounded by secure fencing.
Costs are estimated to be in the region of 50,000 but the plans can either be scaled down or improved, depending on funding available.
The proposal was given to last month's meeting of Forfar Community Council by Glens United committee member Thomas O'Brien.
The plans received the unanimous backing of community councillors who welcomed ideas to improve the area and give local children facilities on their doorstep.
Forfar Councillors Glennis Middleton and John Rymer also congratulated the group for their initiative and pledged to work alongside members in their attempts to take the plans forward.
The area ear-marked for development sits alongside the current tarmac area and small playpark in Glenogil Terrace.
It is currently used for the highly popular "street football" facility.
Addressing the meeting in the Town and County Hall, Mr O'Brien said: "The Glens area, in the past, has had a bit of a reputation. We have been doing some work with the Cafe Project and have had street football, which is very well attended.
"However, there is nowhere to play football or do anything. There is a small playpark but no fence, so if a ball goes in the road the children chase the ball without looking.
"What we are looking to provide is a multi-sports pitch for basketball, football, hockey, whatever, which is fenced in."
Although the Steele Park was suggested as a possible site, the meeting was informed there is already some play facilities in the park which belongs to Angus Council.
There is a football pitch which is used for matches, and the top end of the park is planted out in the Millennium Forest.
Mr O'Brien stated: "In the bad weather the Steele Park is wet and muddy and the kids can't play on the grass. Even if it is wet they can still play on a multi-surface and it's safe, off the street.
"A lot of parents don't want their kids going to the Steele Park now. People don't want kids to go far from the house.
"We have been doing our research and there is a big thing about kids not doing enough.
"We know of at least four outlets for funding, including Sport Scotland and Awards for All.
"We would hope to have a community garden at the back of the park, where people can sit, and a path for the disabled.
"The area was originally a play park so we would not be changing the status of the land."
Mr O'Brien stated there were plans to get the local children involved in the project at the early stages to give them some pride in the area and, hopefully, deter vandalism.
"We have had lots of interest, not just from the little kids, but from older ones who say they have nothing to do, nowhere to play."
Welcoming the proposal, Forfar Community Council chairman Mrs Isobel Ross advised Glens United to work alongside officers from Angus Council.
"I personally think it is a good idea. People do keep going on about kids hanging about. You have got the full backing of community council."
Praising the group for the work so far, Forfar Councillor John Rymer added: "All credit to you for doing what you have done. The Glens area is desperate for something like this and I think you need all the encouragement you can get."
His offer to support Glens United in taking the plan forward was backed up by Forfar Councillor Glennis Middleton.
She said: "The benefit of this is that it is in the community. I would be happy to help."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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