TWO “unusable” play parks are being used by children once again after being brought back to life by the community.

Weeds dominated the play areas on Wilson Road and neighbouring Wilson Place, with paint flaking off the neglected play equipment.

Now, following a lengthy battle, youngsters are playing in the parks once again.

Malcolm Payton, from Kings Meadow Development Association Dunbar Limited, was delighted to see the parks being used again.

An official opening ceremony took place last Saturday afternoon.

Mr Payton said: “The kids themselves have been really happy and have been in it every day, in spite of the weather.

“It is also good to see parents sitting on the benches or standing outside the park and having a chat.

“We need to rebuild community after lockdown and this is a great step in that direction.”

Residents surrounding the Dunbar parks had become unhappy with the standard of work being undertaken by the factors.

The park on Wilson Place was then sold to a private individual in 2009, with the nearby park on Wilson Road sold five years later.

In recent years, the parks have been locked and not in use.

Representatives of East Lothian Council, Dunbar Community Council and residents met in a bid to see what could be done to bring the parks back to life.

Mr Payton described it as “a long and often frustrating journey”, which led to setting up an incorporated development association.

He added: “After receiving advice from the council, various agencies and lawyers – and ultimately from John Watchman, who contributes to and edits Planning Law Scotland – we managed to find a way forward that involved setting up an incorporated development association to purchase and refurbish the parks, then to get grant support to do this.”

The group, which is a not-for-profit community interest company, is responsible for managing the parks and the upkeep going forward.

Parents have already taken to social media to share their delight at the parks reopening.

One said: “Wonderful news! I know my daughter will be delighted with this! Finally, somewhere to play!”

Another reads: “My three kids will love playing in the park.

“Thank you to all involved in making this happen.”