THE group behind the ambitious project to bring Winton Circus Swing Park back to its former glory was officially given £80,000 from North Ayrshire Council to make their dream come that bit closer to becoming a reality.

Just a few months ago, the Saltcoats Active Lifestyle (SALT) group decided to come together to try and find money to give the once popular play park a new lease of life.

They want the shore front park transformed with new play equipment and want to bring back the pirate play ship, a tribute to the one that used to take pride of place there.

Last month they were told they would be given a share of a new £500,000 fund to help give playparks along North Ayrshire’s coastline a boost.

And on Friday they got the call to say they would be given £80,000 to help their fund.

Chairperson Donna McGregor said: “We’re delighted to announce that our Winton Circus playpark project has been awarded £80,000 from the £500,000 Coastal Playpark Fund recently announced by North Ayrshire Council.

“This will be a massive boost to the project but we hope to be able to do so much more if we can get more funds.

“We continue to work on other funding applications and fundraising ideas to make it the best transformation we can.”

Donna, who shared some memories of the park when she and sister Laura would play there at a meeting of the Three Towns Locality Partnership, has been overwhelmed by the support from the communities in the Three Towns.

“Everyone is getting behind us and it is great,” said Donna.

“We have organised a sponsored walk from the Turf in Ardrossan to Sandylands Caravan Park on Sunday, October 24, and we hope as many people can come along and take part,

“We have 13 mini SALT walkers so far and it would be great to get as many children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends of your wee person to take part.

“All we ask is that you opt for some bright colouts or fancy dress for the walk and if people can take a sponsor sheet, no matter how little or much they raise, it will all go into making a fantastic swing park.”

The group will be at Winton Circus Swing park this Sunday, October 10, from 3pm to 4.30pm.

They want to meet people in the community who want to get involved or hear their ideas and thoughts on their project.

The group also hopes that people will come forward to join in the fundraising for the new swing park, too, and talk about what play equipment they would like to see installed at the park.

To get involved in the sponsored walk visit the SALT Facebook page to register and book your spot.