KILWINNING councillor Donald Reid says he is happy to see the town’s McGavin Park being used more and more by families.

And he says he has big plans to add more features to the park to make sure it continues to be used once lockdown restrictions are eased.

The councillor regularly rolls up his sleeves and digs in to help tidy up the flower beds, clear paths and plant bulbs to keep the park looking its best.

And one of the main attractions during lockdown for residents has been the outdoor gym equipment.

The funding for this was secured by Kilwinning Community Events and they are responsible for its maintenance.

“The outdoor gym has been fantastic for McGavin Park, it is used by people who are focusing on fitness and I have seen families enjoying it too.

“The zip slide and play equipment are another great pull for people to come and enjoy the park and my hope is to have new equipment installed before the summer.

“I won’t reveal too much but I promise you they will be unique and young visitors will love them, we are just waiting on them arriving in Scotland.”

There are also plans to open the toilets at the park during the weekends once lockdown is lifted.

The busy councillor has been holding online surgeries with residents.

“It will be good to get back to face to face appointments but for now, this is working well,” said Donald.

Community fitness is important to the councillor who praised the work carried out in the Dirrans and Almswall Park areas to remove the grass ingress, now £85,000 has been secured to carry out more work between Sandy Road in Irvine and Blair Road through to Longford Avenue to open up the paths and repair the surfaces for walkers and cyclists.

He is also working to improve paths in the town’s Eglinton Country Park with a budget of £60,000.

Donald went on: “I can confirm an extensive path and walkway audit was carried out jointly with the Park Ranger and Roads Services in September to assess the general condition of the paths and walkways.

“A strategic plan was developed and an investment program has been prepared.”