A North Lanarkshire councillor has praised the addition of community boards after 16 new projects across the area were given the go-ahead.
The projects have now been added to North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Board Local Development Programme, which means they can potentially be completed in future financial years depending on budget and public support.
Murdostoun independent councillor Robert John McKendrick is pleased that a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) was given the nod in Newmains while there will be overhauls of play areas at Waverley Drive in Coltness and Cambusnethan Memorial Park.
Councillor McKendrick said: “It’s very good news. I know that Cambusnethan Tenants & Residents Association have been banging the drum for a new playpark.
“However, money is there to renew playparks so that will be used for Cambusnethan and Coltness.
“I’m delighted with the new MUGA in Newmains. We still don’t know where the site will be although there are down to three.
“With the new developments in Newmains alongside the new schools and new playpark there is a real buzz within the community at the moment and that can only be a good things.”
A project in the Motherwell area would see a living Christmas tree erected beside Craigneuk War Memorial while other projects were announced in Airdrie, Coatbridge and the Northern Corridor.
Councillor McKendrick added: “The community boards are making such a difference.
“This is about local groups working in tandem with the council to try and improve facilities.
“We had a great example in Newmains when it was the community who decided they wanted a larger playpark rather than upgrade three or four smaller ones.
“These local groups, whether they are community councils or residents associations, have an important role to play.
“If you get a buy-in from groups then great things can happen.”
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