Ballynahinch group calls for Langley Road scheme

Ballynahinch group calls for Langley Road scheme

22 May 2013

DOWN Council has been asked to back a major investment into the dilapidated Langley Road playing field facilities.

At a committee meeting on Monday, representatives from Langley Road Residents Group said they hoped to pump up £1.8m into the Ballynahinch site, which consists of four sports pitches and changing rooms, over the next five years.

The group outlined plans for an all weather pitch and a modern two floor facility for changing rooms and indoor sports such as boxing, indoor bowls and snooker. They hope this building could also be as a youth club base, birthday party venue and community meeting facility.

Councillors were informed that a new synthetic pitch with flood lights would cost around £450,000.

Steven Earney from Temple Rangers Football Club, speaking on behalf of the residents’ group, said they had already raised £50,000 themselves for a new play park in the area.

Following a survey carried out by the Housing Executive in the area he said there was only 30 per cent current usage of the site.

“The changing rooms are fairly dilapidated and not suitable for community use,” he said.

“The objectives are to foster a sense of local pride in the area and create a community sports facility to reduce anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

“We want to encourage interaction from all areas of the community... a more attractive and accessible place to use.”

He continued: “A lot of people do not have a great opinion of the Langley Road, we are working hard to change that opinion.”

Mr. Earney said they would be also working with Roads Service to reduce congestion in the area.

Councillor Billy Walker suggested the council consider a feasibility study into the Langley Road project.

“It has been tremendous the way they have come together, they are to be commended for it,” he said of the residents’ group.

Councillor Garth Craig welcomed the initiative and councillor Walter Lyons criticised the council for not having done more in the past.

“The area has been waiting for this for some time,” he said. “It has been like this for some time. The changing rooms are not fit for purpose. It has been the council’s fault.”

Councillor Mickey Coogan said the group needed “more than a pat on the back”.

Members agreed council officers should investigate how the council could help the Langley Road group.