Kids in Dunfermline could be set to benefit from a new and improved play park, as volunteers have started work to secure an upgraded facility in the heart of Duloch.

The project is being spearheaded by local parent Michael Pattinson.

He said: “I’ve lived here for five years as a father of two young kids, and I really think that we should get an improved playpark for Duloch Park.

“I started asking around and I realised that Fife council has some ring-fenced funding, but they needed a volunteer group to lead the project. I stepped forward and set up Duloch playpark group to do just that.

“The greenspace team at Fife council had done an assessment of over 430 parks based on their play quality, and Duloch was one of the ones that came out on the poorer end of that scale. When you marry that against the volume of residents that could potentially benefit from it, it’s definitely worthwhile.

“We’ve got permission. It’s all got the green light in terms of approvals, it’s just the hard work of getting the funds raised and then getting involved in those consultation sessions.”

Discussing fundraising for the project, Mr Pattinson said: “The park has already been earmarked for 120 thousand pounds by Fife’s programme plan from a Scottish Government fund specifically to upgrade playparks, but that’s only a fraction of what is required. We’ve still got another 130 thousand to go.

Volunteers are working in partnership with Fife Council, and will invite members of the community to take part in public consultations over the winter months.

Mr Pattinson said: “With Calaiswood school right on the doorstep we’re really keen to make sure that the park is as accessible as it can be for everyone. We’ve already scoped out

what playpark designs are being used across Fife in other areas as well.”