Croy and Culloden Moor Community Council presses Highland Council over concerns about lack of play space for children in Croy
Concerns about the availability of play space for children in Croy have been raised with Highland Council by Croy and Culloden Moor Community Council.
A portable classroom has been installed on the basketball court at Croy Primary and chairman of the local community council, Bruce Strachan, said he understands there are plans to install more units in the future.
The former teacher said: “The school needs to be expanded.
“The portable unit that has been installed has two classrooms and there are plans for two or three more units.
“So the basketball court will no longer be available for the community.”
He said the issue then was what would happen to the local football pitch, which is the only flat area and play space in the village.
“The football space has drainage problems and we have to consider whether it can be brought up to standard,” he said. “We have also thought about a multi use games area (MUGA) but then you have to work out how that’s going to be funded, who will manage it and who will have access to it.”
Mr Strachan added: “Some years ago there was meant to be a play area provided at Heathfield near the village hall but that never materialised and we are also going to look at that as an option.”
Community council secretary Lesley-Ann Stoddart said: “It’s the old story – there’s a lot of new development and houses being being built but the infrastructure for the communities is not in place and that’s a matter Highland Council needs to address.
“Children need play areas to develop and socialise with their peers.
“If they don’t have these facilities it can lead to anti-social behaviour.
“We have to do better and provide for our children.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “Highland Council’s education service has plans to increase the classroom accommodation at Croy Primary School to meet the demands of the rising school roll. They have installed one double classroom modular unit (summer 2021) and have plans to install further units when required. An extension/refurbishment of kitchen/dining space is also being planned.
“To compensate for the loss of some of the playground space improvements to the drainage on the pitch are being proposed (likely summer 2022). This will allow the grass to establish before any additional playground space for modular units is taken over.
"This will ensure that the pupils have access to play space as the pitch is in poor condition and often cannot currently be used by the school. The possibility of installing a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) with polymeric surface that can replace the existing basketball court is also being looked into.”
