Crossgar group on the verge of folding

Crossgar group on the verge of folding

28 January 2015

THE future of the Crossgar Community Association is “hanging in the balance.”

The warning has been issued ahead of the group’s annual meeting which is being held in the village’s community centre this Friday night.

Community group chairman, Paul Teggart, is appealing to people to support the annual meeting and get involved in the work of the community group at what he described as a “pivotal moment” in its history.

With Down Council due to merge with its neighbour in Newry and Mourne on April 1, Mr. Teggart is concerned Crossgar may not have an organisation to represent the village when the new super council is launched.

He said the work of running the community group has been left to just a handful of people who need more support from people in Crossgar.

“We need more people who have Crossgar’s interest at heart to come on board and give us a hand. It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep the community group alive with so few providing us with support,” declared Mr. Teggart.

“We need people to come out in numbers on Friday night to show their support for their village. Crossgar needs a voice and the community group provides that. It is something I passionately believe the village simply can’t afford to lose.”

Mr. Teggart said he is becoming increasingly concerned at dwindling numbers and hopes more people will come forward to help, appealing for women to get involved.

“The community association belongs to the people of Crossgar. It was set up to provide them with a voice and address the issues that concern them. It must remain alive but in order for that to happen we need more support. I very much hope it is forthcoming,” he continued.

“We will be more than delighted to welcome new blood. Getting involved is an opportunity for people to have a valuable input into how the village develops and progresses.”

Mr. Teggart said he fears that if the community group does not remain in business, Crossgar “will be left behind” when the new super council is formally launched in a few weeks’ time, potentially missing out on future grant aid.

“There is a danger the village could get left behind and that is something no one would want to see. Without grant aid, the bill for events and Christmas celebrations would have to be paid for the local business community.

“In addition, the proposed new sports complex at St. Colmcille’s High School in the village is progressing and the community group must be in place to oversee the delivery of this hugely important project.”

Mr. Teggart said the community group has helped deliver a new play park at Lislea Drive and is committed to delivering more for Crossgar. But he said it requires more support to survive and plan for the future.

He added: “We have a number of posts that require to be filled this Friday night and appoint a new committee. I hope the people of Crossgar will turn up in numbers to show their support and get involved in the work of an organisation which has their interests and that of the village at heart.”

n Friday night’s annual meeting starts at 7.30pm and anyone who would like to be considered for an office-bearer post should email philipirvine@btinternet

.com or arrive before the meeting starts to express an interest.