Bonnyholm play area: Fury as Glasgow park 'left to rot'

Councillor Jim Kavanagh says the Bonnyholm Play Area has fallen into a state of disrepair.

The Labour politician says a number of pieces of toy equipment had been removed by Glasgow City Council for repair work to be carried out, but have never been returned.

While strips of astroturf have vanished and the materials left behind for little ones to enjoy are in poor condition.

He said: “North Pollok has very few facilities of this kind.

“There are two play areas at either side of Linthaugh Road and they’re not in a good condition.

“There’s no maintenance, it’s left to rot.”

He added: “It’s weed infected, there’s been numerous pieces of equipment taken away for repair and never replaced and there’s missing astroturf.”

Read more: Fury at state of Whiteinch playpark

The popular play area, which sits at junction of Bonnyholm Avenue and Linthaugh Road between north Pollok and Crookston, is used by dozens of children across the estate.

Youngsters weren’t able to make use of the facilities earlier this year when it was boarded up to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

However, since restrictions have began to ease, Cllr Kavanagh says many families took advantage of the free entertainment to keep children occupied as soft plays and cinemas remained closed.

Cllr Kavanagh said: “A lot of money is spent on building these parks, but the upkeep just isn’t there. It’s ridiculous.

“Bearing in mind, this is coming at a time when we’re asking children to play outside more than ever before due to the coronavirus pandemic.”

It’s not the first play park in the city to come under fire in recent months.

As previously reported, the local authority was slammed for the “state” of a play area inside Victoria Park in Whiteinch.

A grandmother was disappointed to discover much of the toys were sealed off and others had been damaged when she visited the area with her grandchildren.

There are around 400 play parks across the city, which are maintained by the council.

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The local authority says all its parks are serviced regularly with safety checks carried out on all equipment.

When a toy is found not to be in safe condition for use, it is sealed or removed until such time it can be repaired.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “We are aware that investment in Bonnyholm Play Area is needed and we currently working to secure the necessary funding.

“We do continue to service the play area on a regular basis and will take appropriate action to ensure the equipment is safe to use as required.”