Fed-up Kilcreggan residents have been forced into maintaining the village’s play park themselves – claiming the council has allowed the facility to fall into a poor state.

Campaigners say the area at Craigrownie Park, near the Cove and Kilcreggan Bowling Club, was well maintained before the pandemic – but claim some equipment has been left “unusable” in recent months.

One local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, believes the park is getting dangerous with sharp plants surrounding popular play items.

They told the Advertiser: “The play park in Kilcreggan has been left to get in such a state and we have reported it to the council numerous times but are getting nowhere.

“The thistles near the slide are really bad and they are even sharp enough to draw blood so I hate to think about kids playing there.

“I finally had enough, and went down to the park and cut it myself, so kids can play there again.

"But we shouldn’t have to do that when we pay our council tax.”

The park was officially opened in July 2016 after more than two years of community fund-raising efforts.

The resident is urging the council to issue a tender a local company for the work, to make sure the park is maintained at all times of year.

They explained: “The community raised money for the park to be built, and before the pandemic it was maintained well.

“It just seems since Covid grass cutting has been forgotten about, and it has meant that some of the play equipment is unusable.

“If the council aren’t willing to strim when they cut the grass, they should be willing to sign over the contract to other companies.

“I have offered my services a few times as well as other similar companies, and we have all been told 'no'.”

Argyll and Bute Council says a shortfall in funding is to blame for the lack of maintenance, and has thanked the community for its own efforts.

A spokesperson said: “We would like to be able to do everything that our communities want us to do but continued funding cuts mean we cannot do that and we must make changes.

“As a result, we have had to reduce our annual cyclic grass cutting, which means we are unable to cut verges/play parks and amenity areas as often as we have done previously.

“We would like to thank the members of the public who took the time to help maintain the park for the local community.”