Remaining COVID-19 funds being used to improve playparks in Badenoch and Strathspey

Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee members today agreed to repurpose some of its remaining COVID-19 fund to improve the area's playparks.

There are currently £6,106 worth of COVID-19 funds remaining for Badenoch & Strathspey and today's decision will see improvements at parks in Aviemore, Grantown on Spey, Kingussie, and Nethy Bridge.

Members agreed to repurpose £3,600 COVID-19 funds for the following play area improvements:

• Morlich Court in Aviemore was granted £400 for the painting of equipment

• Ardvonie Park in Kingussie will receive £2,500 for the replacement of steel feet for the climbing frame and swings

• Lynstock Crescent in Nethy Bridge will get £100 towards the painting of equipment

• Dulaig Court in Grantown on Spey will receive £600 to replace the existing bark with a grass matting surface

Chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, Cllr Russell Jones said: "This project will deliver on a range of works to Badenoch & Strathspey play areas, which will provide opportunity for greater outdoor activity and exercise, benefiting the health & wellbeing of young people in the area.

"In addition, members of the committee hoped that some capital-funded improvements are also on the way for Newtonmore and Aviemore playparks."

It was agreed at a meeting of the Highland Council on 7 January 2021 that Wards with unspent COVID-19 funds could decide to spend this on projects to assist children and adults post-COVID, especially within deprived areas. Any re-purposing of COVID-19 funds were to be agreed at area committee level.