Ballynahinch play park access appeal

Ballynahinch play park access appeal

6 July 2022

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council is being urged to ensure there is a safe access for children who use the popular Hillfoot Crescent play park in Ballynahinch.

The appeal has been issued by recently co-opted Rowallane councillor, David Lee, who has been contacted about the issue by a number of concerned residents.

He said many children have to walk on an uneven grass verge that runs parallel to the main road and the play park, explaining this increases the chances of someone getting seriously injured as traffic uses the Hillfoot Crescent as a bypass to the main road that runs through Ballynahinch. 

In addition, Cllr Lee-Surginor said concerns have also been raised about the lack of a street crossing between the play park and the opposite side of Hillfoot Crescent.

“I am grateful that the residents and users of the Hillfoot play park have come to me to highlight the safety concerns of park users,” he continued.

“This park is very popular with the children and we have to ensure we do everything we can to ensure it’s safe for all users entering and leaving the park.”

The Rowallane councillor said he would like to see a safe pavement established with perimeter fencing erected to safeguard users walking to and from the play park, in tandem with a dedicated crossing area to allow children and parents to be able to safely cross the road.

He confirmed he will be asking the local authority to erect additional railings and gates to make the area safer and plans to contact the Department for Infrastructure to conduct a traffic survey at this part of Ballynahinch.