If you go down to Howard Park today you are guaranteed a nice surprise. The East Ayrshire Council has been working hard to improve the park and plenty of youngsters are enjoying the results.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, who viewed the improvements with Leader of the Council, Councillor Douglas Reid, said: "The regeneration of our green spaces is an important part of our regeneration strategy. Making our town centres more attractive will help to draw more people to the area.


"The Howard Park is a lovely green space at the heart of Kilmarnock but it has been looking very tired. The Council has removed the old playpark and installed modern play equipment with new fencing and there were plenty of children enjoying the park when we visited.

"We have also installed new picnic benches, link paths which lead to the picnic area and raised planters with shrubs to make the area more attractive. Lighting has been upgraded throughout the park and we have also addressed the lighting of the memorial."

Councillor Reid said: "I am very pleased with the improvements to Howard Park. The new entrance wall and lighting at Wards Place is particularly inviting and I am sure it will encourage visitors to the park. The railings have still to be painted but we have Community Service Offenders working on this at the moment so all improvements will be completed shortly."

(GK)