SCRAPPING a residential playpark in Innerleithen would affect the most needy children according to Innerleithen community leaders.

The news announced last year to decommission 74 small playparks in the region to make way for the local authority’s plans for £5million worth of larger facilities, did not go down well in many local communities.

Council officers are now is discussion with local members to decide which parks will be closed.

But community leaders in Innerleithen are demanding that the Caddon Court facility isn't included in the hit list.

This week's community council meeting was told that the town has excellent facilities at St Ronan's.

But one parent said: "You have to think about it because although it might not be far away, for those kids it may be inaccessible if they don’t have parents that would walk across to it and supervise them even if it’s two streets away.

"That’s my worry is that the very neediest end up with it being taken away.”

Speaking at a meeting of Innerleithen Community Council, Councillor Robin Tatler said: “It’s agreed universally that the playparks that have one piece of rusting equipment will likely be closed.”

Members of the public and community groups have already given feedback to Scottish Borders Council regarding playpark provision.

Community councillor Jackie Couchman asked: “It is either a play park or nothing?

"Caddon Court is an area that I think would be really valuable to have a useful public space for adults and children."

Councillor Shona Haslam said officers and councillors are engaging with communities. “We’re trying to find out what locals want, whether it be an orchard, allotment, sensory garden. My line has always been that a rusty swing in a poo-filled park does not a playpark make.”

She continued: “St Ronan’s has got a big new playpark facility so do we need two playparks that close together or could you use the other space differently.”

Reassurance was given by Councillor Tatler who added: “I think of all the playparks in Innerleithen the Caddon Court playpark is the one we want to try and do something with.”