The next opportunity for residents of South Lanarkshire to help shape the future of their area is underway.
Hopefully the council will listen more than they did last time community consultations and feedback was asked for when they were discussing halls and libraries! Surveys have now been launched about how children like to play, where they go and what they would like to see changed in the play spaces and open spaces they use.
We’ll interject here, as it’s clear this latest consultation is setting things up nicely for potential budget cuts to recreation next year. This is a council who have closed almost all our local halls and downsized the library to a corridor in the Sports Centre….so please forgive us if we’re a little outspoken here in not being surprised in the slightest if the outcome of this consultation results in removal of some services or existing Playpark areas. (If that happens, SLC will 100% have a prolonged protest to deal with!)
Back to topic….These “surveys” are aimed at both children and young people as well as their parents and guardians and will inform the next Local Development Plan for South Lanarkshire.
There are three separate surveys – one for parents and guardians to complete on behalf of their children aged from birth to 11 and one for them to complete on behalf of children aged 12-18.
There is also a specialist survey which young people aged 12-18 can complete on their own.
Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Richard Nelson, said: “The thoughts, experiences and opinions of residents will help to shape how South Lanarkshire will look in the future.
“As such we want families to take part in this survey – we obviously know that very young children won’t be able to complete the survey themselves, but it’s a good opportunity to talk to them and ask them what they like in their area, and what they would like to see more of.
“The input of parents is key – you will know better than anyone what makes your child happy when they are playing in local spaces.
“But we also have a dedicated survey for young people aged 12-18, so if you have a child that age, please encourage them to complete the survey.”
All three surveys will remain open until Tuesday, December 24.
