Call for ‘fresh start’ over leisure centre plans in Newcastle

Call for ‘fresh start’ over leisure centre plans in Newcastle

2 March 2016

POLITICIANS have this week called for a “fresh start” to ensure a proposed new leisure facility in Newcastle becomes a reality.

South Down MLA Chris Hazzard and councillor Willie Clarke have also called for what they have described as the “blame game” over the failure to deliver the multi-million pound scheme to stop.

Their comments come a week after the Bishop of Down and Connor told another South Down MLA, Sean Rogers, he believes the “silent majority” are happy with the decision by the Parish of Maghera not to sell the former St Mary’s Primary School for a new leisure centre.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials have been attempting to purchase the Shanslieve Drive site for the past number of years and were hopeful of securing a deal, but the local authority’s most recent bid failed.

Mr Hazzard said it is clear a fresh start is now needed if Newcastle’s new leisure centre is to become a reality.

He continued: “It’s obvious that the people of Newcastle are fed up with the ongoing blame game. It has to stop. What we need now is a fresh start and a willingness to work together in the interests of the entire community.

“If political and community representatives don’t come together soon, another generation of young people in Newcastle will be left without the top class complex that locals and visitors to the area want.”

Councillor Clarke said differences of opinion on the leisure centre issue “need to be parked” and warned that what he described as the “endless cycle of recriminations and accusations” is only making the situation worse.

He continued: “People in Newcastle justifiably want their public representatives to move on. A proactive approach is what’s required at this stage. Newry, Mourne and Down Council is in the process of setting up a new strategic development group and I see this as a potential vehicle to drive the Newcastle leisure project forward.”

Councillor Clarke said the strategic development group needs to take this task on board quickly, in addition to identifying other economic opportunities to make Newcastle a prime tourist destination.

He added: “I will be working to ensure priority is given to identifying suitable sites in the area for the new leisure centre because this is what people in Newcastle are calling for.”