Residents concerned about height of slide

Residents concerned about height of slide

25 February 2015

RESIDENTS at a Crossgar housing development are to meet with Down Council officials to discuss their concerns about a new £130,000 playground in the village.

The Lislea Drive development includes a large slide which residents at nearby Rademon Avenue want moved because young people who climb to the top of it are peering into their bedrooms, bathrooms and conservatories.

Residents’ concerns were raised at Monday night’s meeting of Down Council when the Planning Service agreed to defer issuing formal approval for a retrospective planning application for the new playground submitted by the local authority.

The Planning Service has agreed to defer formally approving the application until council officers have an opportunity to meet with Rademon Avenue residents.

Council chairman Billy Walker said the location of the slide is a “major issue” for residents who are not opposed to the new playground. He said they want the slide relocated so young people who gather at the top of it cannot seen into people’s homes.

“One particular item of furniture at the playground is a major concern for these residents who don’t want people looking at them as they step out of the shower or while they are in their bedrooms,” he said.

“It is important residents meet with council officers to resolve this issue. What we are talking about here is an infringement on people’s privacy. The residents have already sought legal advice on the issue and it is important we take their concerns on board.”

The council chairman said the residents have a right to privacy and it’s important Down Council does what it can to address this particular issue.