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Local mums Laura Macdonald, Emma Donnelly and Shannon Donnelly were so determined to secure some new play equipment for the area that they delivered leaflets to hundreds of houses asking people for their support.

The funding came from Falkirk Council’s Community Choices – but the cash can only go to projects that get enough votes from local residents.

The young mums agreed to drum up support for the bid with the encouragement of Sylvia Bradley, a volunteer with Westquarter Community Wing. She urged them to get out into the community and ‘get asking people what they want’.

Young Westquarter residents can’t wait to see the new pump track in place

After talking to lots of people they agreed that they would like to see a pump track in Westquarter and new facilities in the Bing Park, in Redding.

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Laura said: “We wanted something for both villages that all the kids could access – just because there’s nothing for them. They’ve got to travel to access those kind of facilities, so we just thought it was a really good idea.”

They felt that a pump track would be something that both younger and older kids, including teenagers, could use.

“We feel that so many things to do with kids cost money whereas most kids have a bike or a scooter, or something that’s been handed down, so it make sense.

“And who doesn’t like a park?” said Laura.

To get their message across, they went round the doors delivering voting forms in wind and rain, pushing buggies. They also left forms in the local pubs and spread the message on social media.

“We were asking everybody and their dog if they would vote because it was for the kids!” said Laura.

They were delighted that their first bid for the pump track won enough votes to secure the £40,000 needed.

A second bid, this time to get new play equipment in the Bing Park in Redding, was also successful, securing £77,000 of funding.

While they were happy to do the legwork, they are all very grateful to Sylvia for keeping on top of all the paperwork, including planning permission.

As soon as the permission is granted, work can get started on land beside the small playpark in Westquarter to create the pump track.

After that they look forward to the playpark being upgraded.

Community Choices: Westquarter mums secure cash for new pump track and park

Laura said: “We wanted something for both villages that all the kids could access – just because there’s nothing for them. They’ve got to travel to access those kind of facilities, so we just thought it was a really good idea.”