Concerns have been raised over the security of a kids’ play park in Maybole, just days after it reopened.
South Ayrshire Council announced earlier this month that Miller Park had re-opened following its closure last year. The park had become a target for vandalism in the past and there had also been reports of “extensive” fire damage to some of the play equipment. It prompted the local authority to close the park last year and carry out repairs. The total cost of the latest round of improvement work stands at £71,651.19.
Locals call for CCTV and lighting
South Ayrshire Council officials said on social media it was “great news” the park had opened again and thanked everyone for their patience. But some locals are convinced the area could benefit from CCTV cameras and beefed-up security at the site.
One woman said on social media: “Hopefully the vandals leave it alone now. Cameras would most certainly be a deterrent, or place more lighting in the park. This was suggested long before the vandalism happened, as it was only a matter of time that this was going to happen.
“It’s not so bad in the summer but once the clocks change, it seems the vandalism is at its height. It is looking good now. Hopefully this will be taken on board.”
Park’s history and patrols
Another posted this message: “It’s great its opened again but we were told it would be open for the kids at the start of the holidays. It had been shut for about a year- definitely more than a few months- but I’m glad it’s open.”
The park holds a special place in the history of Maybole. The park was gifted to the town by local benefactor Harold Chesney and was named in honour of his wife’s father, ex-Provost James Miller, a prominent draper and clothier. The original park opened in October 1953.
South Ayrshire Council has confirmed that patrols in the area “have been requested” to act as a deterrent and these patrols would involve Police Scotland and the local authority’s Community Safety Team.
