Important announcement

Due to operational issues, regrettably, some of our food waste collections have been suspended. If your food caddy is not collected on its scheduled day, please take your bin in and present it on your next collection day. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and we’re working hard to remedy the situation.

  • Report by:

    Ann Davie, Chief Executive

  • TN Number:

    179-25

  • Subject:

    Merkland Play Area – Recent Safety Inspection

  • Responsible Officer:

    Stephen Egan, Team Leader - Streetscene Technical Support

  • Publication:

    This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

  • This Technical Note has been written to update Elected Members on the current situation at the play area located in Merkland Recreation facility in Kirkintilloch

  • The Play Area has been the subject of regular and routine vandalism over the past 3 years and is currently closed for any access with the use of fencing panels. Regrettably these are also being vandalised and consequently further damage is occurring to the play area

  • An independent Safety Inspection was undertaken during September 2025 and the recommendation from the ROSPA engineer is to completely remove the facility. Arrangements therefore will be made to engage a suitable contractor and remove all fencing and equipment from site in the short term

  • In terms of a new facility or potential upgrading of other adjacent play areas, this will be the subject of local consultation – initially via the Local Housing providers and thereafter with our stakeholders

  • Timescales around this have still to be determined and will be influenced by the initial feedback from the Housing Associations – thereafter wider engagement will be undertaken to ensure the community are fully involved in any investment decisions regarding new or existing play facilities.