REFURBISHMENT work at Neilston’s main playpark is set to give the village a new shine.

The installation of fencing at Kingston Playing Fields, coupled with the replacement of its play equipment, aims to transform the area – and its image.

Families will be able to have their say on the final designs for the new play area when East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) hosts a public consultation in the village at the end of this month.

The playing fields were singled out as a priority by community planning chiefs earlier this year when the local authority dedicated £87,000 in its budget to enhancing the region’s parks.

Neilston councillor Paul O’Kane, who helped to push for extra funding to spruce up the village, said: “I am delighted with the progress we are making in the regeneration of Kingston Park.

“The new fence is being installed the length of Kingston Road and there will also be new play equipment.

“The fencing replaces the old and damaged fence which, quite frankly, isn’t the most attractive in the world and has been there since before I was a child.

“These improvements will make the park look more inviting to families who I know love going to their local play area.

“Money will be spent on new play equipment and we are keen to hear the views of play park users on what this should look like.”

Cllr O’Kane hopes villagers will make the most of the opportunity to share their views on how the greenspace could be improved for the years ahead.

He added: “Along with the new skatepark, which is being jointly funded by the council, community council and development trust, and the new picnic benches I secured last year, Kingston is really being improved for the benefit of everyone in our community.”

ERC community planning and parks department staff will hold a drop-in event to discuss the improvements.

This will take place at the Glen Halls, in Neilston, on Wednesday, August 30, from noon until 5pm.