PARK bosses want to transform Lunderston Bay into a £100,000 children’s paradise.

The plans follow the removal of worn play equipment at the popular Gourock beauty spot for safety reasons.

Harsh weather and general wear and tear has taken its toll over the last 20 years on equipment, leaving it unsafe and unsuitable for use.

The items removed include a slide, monkey bars and a fireman’s pole.

Park bosses told the Tele they had been taken away because the wooden posts supporting the equipment were rotten.

Mike Holcombe, one of the senior rangers with Clyde Murshiel, based at Greenock Cut, said: “This play equipment had been in place for over 20 years and its condition had gradually deteriorated due to exposure to the weather and years of use.

“There has also been vandalism in the past and it was at a stage we couldn’t repair it any more.

“The main support legs for the whole platform were rotten — one of the legs could snap and the whole thing could buckle. I had to make the decision as site manager to remove it.

“If anything had happened I would have felt awful.

“The play equipment is checked regulary and we take safety very seriously.” Mike is now searching for funding to provide ‘a really nice, substantial play area’ for visitors and their children.

He said: “I’m looking at £100,000 worth for toddlers and young kids, accessible for wheelchairs, but there is nothing concrete.

“It’s a pipe dream at the minute but I definitely want to create an adventure playground.” It is hoped the new area would be located nearer the toilet block to make life easier for families with young children and would be fenced off for added security.

The vice-chairman of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Councillor David Wilson, said he will do what he can to help replace the play equipment.

He added: “Lunderston Bay is the first beach you reach going west from Glasgow along the south side of the river. It is very popular.”