PLANS to upgrade a number of Renfrewshire playparks have been welcomed.

Facilities in Sandyflats and Ellerslie Street, in Johnstone, as well as those at Lochwinnoch Park, are set to be renewed later this year.

This follows completed works to improve Howwood Park and upcoming contracts in Kilbarchan Park.

Councillor Emma Rodden, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, told The Gazette: “Over the past two years, our children have done us proud in the most difficult of circumstances.

“It is time to reward them for their resilience and give them the chance to have fun again.

“As a mother to two young children, I appreciate how much of an asset a local playpark can be.

“It is especially important, at a time when the cost of living is increasing, that there are free-to-use facilities accessible to all who live nearby.”

SNP hopeful Graeme Stockton, who is standing as a candidate for the same ward in next month’s council election, added: “As a villager and a parent myself, I understand the importance of local facilities for children.

“The planned works in Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Johnstone will provide much-needed improvements to the playparks our children already love and use well.

“The communities involved have been engaged in the process and consulted with.

“We are all excited to see the end results now.”

Money to pay for the upgrades has been earmarked from Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund, with the Scottish Government also providing cash.

Other playparks set to benefit from the investment this year include Tinto Square and Robertson Park, in Renfrew, and Barwood Park, in Erskine.