Tensions grow over Newcastle pitch plan

Tensions grow over Newcastle pitch plan

10 October 2012 - by BY CIARA COLHOUN

FRICTION is growing between the SDLP and Sinn Fein over plans for a new sports pitch in Newcastle.

The new pitch will be needed before the council constructs a new £7.5m leisure centre on the site of an existing pitch in Donard Park.

The matter is currently being considered by the Recreation and Technical Services Committee which will consider possible locations and bring forward a recommendation to full council.

However, Newcastle SDLP councillor Carmel O’Boyle is claiming behind-the-scenes discussions have taken place between Sinn Fein and local sports clubs about possible locations.

Mrs. O’Boyle said she believed grounds at Shimna College were being looked at for the replacement pitch. She said she was therefore surprised to hear about additional suggestions to locate the pitch at Beechfield Park instead.

She said it was essential that any discussion about potential locations for the replacement pitch are held in the appropriate forum, which she said was the council chamber.

Mrs. O’Boyle claims she is angry that the Beechfield Park site has

been discussed by her council colleague, Mr. Stephen Burns, with sports clubs without going through the council.

She claims Mr. Burns has been in “behind-the-scenes” negotiations about the site, which she said would affect many local residents and should only be considered through the official council forum.

While Mr. Burns has admitted that he thinks Beechfield Park should be taken into consideration by consultants appointed to locate an approved site, he said he is within his rights, as a Sinn Fein councillor, to explore options with sports clubs.

“Any discussions I have had about any sites for the replacement pitch have been in my capacity as a Sinn Fein representative and not as an official representative of the council,” he said.

“I continue to speak to sports clubs about any number of matters and believe that is my duty as a councillor.

“At no time have I made any promises about where this pitch should go, but what I will do is make suggestions to the consultants that have been raised with me.”