Concern over Falkirk park access after ambulance unable to reach patient

A councillor has asked for reassurance that access to Falkirk 's Callendar Park will be improved after an ambulance was unable to reach a man who had taken ill.

Councillor James Bundy was shocked to witness the issue when he attended an event in Callendar Park, he told members of Falkirk Council 's executive.

He said: "A man took ill at the Battle of Falkirk 1298 event at Callendar Park last month. I called 999 and an ambulance arrived, but the gate into the park was closed. Read more: Falkirk Council to double council tax for second home owners "Paramedics, therefore, had to park the ambulance outside the gate and walk into the park.

Thankfully it was at the Battle of Falkirk cairn, so the walk wasn't too long for the paramedics, and from what I've heard, the man is okay."Cllr Bundy raised the issue as the future of the historic park was being debated by Falkirk Council's executive, with a ten-year management plan to set out priorities.He was told that the council will be looking at the design of gateways as part of the plan, although all current events should be risk assessed to ensure that access is available.At the meeting on Thursday, councillors heard the plan will look closely at long-standing issues such as how to bring vacant buildings, including the B-listed stable block and factor's house, back into use.The dilapidated buildings make a poor impression on visitors, but a condition survey in March 2023 revealed it would cost around £740,000 just to make basic improvements.Very close to Falkirk town centre, the 74-hectare park's mixture of woodland and parkland make it a popular attraction for tourists and a favourite destination for locals.Originally a medieval deer park used for hunting, over the centuries