A LEADING councillor is reassuring members of the public that no community will be left without a playpark.

In May Scottish Borders Council agreed to launch a consultation in a bid to close 74 across the region.

But despite public backlash, convenor of the local authority David Parker has told communities not to worry. 

At Wednesday's meeting of Melrose Community Council, vice-chairwoman said she thought it was "unfair" to ask parents to drive their children to the nearest playground.

But councillor Parker said: "The proposals which were suggested earlier in the year were for playparks which are not being used or falling into disrepair.

"The consultation has been taking place over the past few months and another report will come forward in due course.

"Nothing will happen until this has been looked at.

"But no place will be left without a playground.

"Newstead is a great example. There are two small parks. If they get rid of one, the other one will stay."

Community councillor Agnes Waldie asked if developers were still being forced to install play facilities when they build houses in the region.

She said: "I remember the council ruling many years ago that a playground had to be included if so many new homes were being built. Is that still the case?"

Councillor Parker said: "I think that was something that was being done when I first started out as a councillor.

"It now no longer applies. Now the council will take a contribution from the developer instead.

"For example, in the past, developers might have had to install a playpark if they built 10 houses.

"Now they will have to pay a set contribution instead.

"I think when the scheme was in place, we were seeing some developers putting in great play equipment and others were installing equipment that was not so good."