South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth and Annandale East and Eskdale Councillor Archie Dryburgh have urged the council to urgently replace existing equipment removed for “safety reasons”, which left the Central Avenue park in Gretna with just one swing.

In the long-run, they want to see a full revamp of the area, with the creation of a fully- inclusive playpark.

Developing inclusive playparks became a council priority when Colin Smyth was a councillor, at which time he successfully set up a council inclusive playpark fund which has helped deliver five new accessible parks across the region, including Annan and one next to The Usual Place in Dumfries.

Colin Smyth said: “I’m proud to have played a part ensuring the development of accessible parks across our region, but it’s time Gretna became part of that success as the current park has been badly neglected.

“The park in Central Avenue is very popular but right now it is not fit for purpose. We are urging the council to replace the missing equipment without delay. However, in the long run, this park needs a full revamp.”

Archie has agreed to chair a new community action group set up through Gretna and Rigg Community Council to lead work on developing plans.

Archie said: “I’ve urged the council to replace equipment removed for safety reasons and this is now on order.

“But it’s time for a full revamp of the park to make it fully inclusive and I’ve agreed to chair a new community group to develop plans to give Gretna the park it deserves.

“There has been great interest from parents from Sparklers Nursery and Primary groups to take this project forward and we will be meeting on a monthly basis develop good community engagement.”

Archie hopes to have the park added to a key list of council park priorities in March next year to secure £125,000 of funding but needs the community to back the campaign and help secure match funding.

Archie and Colin hope Gretna can get inspiration for the campaign from neighbouring Gretna Green Springfield where a Community Asset Trust was established and community funds secured to improve the park, including a new outdoor gym.