FAMILIES across Renfrewshire can look forward to a £1.25million investment in the area’s play parks.

Renfrewshire Council is to carry out a detailed review of all 97 of the play parks it owns.

A two-year programme of improvements will then be developed, based on the current condition of each site.

Those play parks that have not been upgraded for a “significant” period of time or are in immediate need of repair will be prioritised but council chiefs have pledged the programme will aim to provide a balanced approach across all local communities.

A commitment has also been made to engage with people living near each play park ahead of improvements being made, to identify the needs of families.

The investment will be enhanced by £780,000 from the Scottish Government’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Fund, which will be used to enhance access to play parks and other open spaces.

There will also be funding from the council’s £47million six-year investment in the roads network to develop the infrastructure in and around play parks, as well as £150,000 for tree works and path clearances in key urban areas.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, convener of Renfrewshire’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to allocate such significant funding to our play parks, as the past year has shown how important they and our green spaces are to our communities.

“Council officers will identify the play parks in need of initial investment following a detailed review and will aim to ensure a fair spread of investment across all of our towns and villages.

“The new equipment and refurbishments will make a real difference to the quality of play for our young people and families and I can’t wait to see the work begin later this year.”

The new funding commitment builds on recent investment of almost £5m in parks and play areas in Renfrewshire.

A total of £2.25m was spent in Robertson Park, Renfrew, and Barshaw Park, Paisley, with more than £1m invested in five neighbourhood parks and £1.3m set aside for 17 play parks through the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund.