A GROUP of parents have come together to raise money to help improve facilities in the area for everyone in the town.

And the first task for the Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Team (SALT) is to revamp the play park next to Oscar’s on the seafront.

They have a vision for a giant pirate play ship to take pride of place at the Winton Circus site.

Cllr Jean McClung said: “I have been involved with this amazing team of volunteers since the group’s inception and I am full of admiration for their dedication to the cause of improving facilities in Saltcoats.

“Their enthusiasm has to be commended and each member of the committee brings his and her own special expertise to the project, from the indomitable Donna, the chairperson; vice chair Laura; secretary, Linda; fundraising and media officer, Lesley and treasurer, David who also has a wealth of knowledge about play equipment.

“I share their belief that Saltcoats has been somewhat neglected as regards to the provision of play equipment and the play park on the shore front is at present a sad affair.

“There is virtually nothing left there to encourage people to use the area, a space which has huge potential. I am delighted with the response from officers at NAC to my pleas for help with the project and have already been given assurances that money will be available for investment in the park.”

In addition to local authority funding and Scottish government contributions, SALT will be initiating their own fundraising activities with the aim being to think big.

Donna McGregor, SALT chairperson, said: “It’s been a tough time for everyone as you all know during the pandemic and two lockdowns, I am sure like loads of us we have been out walking in our local area.

“Myself and some friends got involved in some step challenges which have taken us all over the local area and we were shocked to find that the play park at Winton Circus was nowhere near what it used to be.

“I’m sure many locals will remember the big pirate ship, the big blue whale and Nessie.

“It breaks my heart that our kids don’t have access to this, how good would it be to restore the playpark to its formal glory?

“We have been closely with Councillor Jean McClung, community development officer, Shirley Morgan and Ian and Jim from Streetscene, we have even been on Ayrshire Nation radio and now we want the community to be part of it.

“Everyone is welcome to get onboard and help us improve the park.”