Sutherland's run-down playparks to get a cash injection
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Councillors representing the East Sutherland and Edderton ward have identified how they want to spend a £100,000 windfall.
The three councillors have agreed that £80,000 of the funding – allocated to the ward from the Place Based Investment Fund – should go towards projects to renovate run-down playparks.
The remaining £20,000 has been earmarked to support initiatives relating to improving mental wellbeing in the wake of Covid-19.
The £2.1 million Place Based Investment Fund was set up to provide support to communities and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on physical health, mental health and wellbeing, and the economy.
Every ward in the Highland Council region is to receive £100,000 and the decision on how to spend it is being taken by ward councillors.
Cllr Richard Gale, chairman of Sutherland County Committee, said: “This provision of funding is excellent news for the community in Sutherland and will help us as we start to move on from the challenges of the past 18 months.”
A report before the county committee at its meeting last month stated that communities in East Sutherland and Edderton had identified playparks as in need of investment.
The report added that playparks had a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of children and young people and also had the potential for wider benefits for the whole community.
Councillors in the north, west and central Sutherland ward are still decidingwhere the the £100,000 should be spent.
A Highland Council spokesman said: "Ward one members are reviewing evidence to support how to allocate the Place Based Investment Fund in North, West and Central Sutherland.
“A report will be brought to a future meeting of Sutherland County Committee.”
