Children and parents are disappointed that a West Kilbride swing park they campaigned to save has been demolished.

North Ayrshire Council previously announced the proposed closure of Craufurd swing park as part of plans to reduce its play park budget by £50,000.

Despite ensuing protests from angry members of the community, the council finally removed the park last week.

Local dad, David Moore, said: “It’s sad. I’m 39 and I grew up with that park. It’s heart-breaking, I used to take my child there. My sister’s daughter came home in tears. There’s nothing for the kids to do now.

“I’m disgusted with this. Kids of four are going to have to cross a main road to get to the nearest swing park.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The decision to remove the swing park in Crauford park was originally taken in 2015 when we agreed on our budget for the following years. It was one of 22 playparks we agreed to close at the time to enable us to focus our resources on the remaining 84.

"Since then we had retained the equipment at Crauford park at the request of the local community whilst we worked with a number of groups interested in taking over the play park via a Community Asset Transfer.

"Unfortunately no community groups were able to complete the transfer and the equipment was therefore removed.”