Council to fast track play park reopening

Council to fast track play park reopening

5 August 2015

COUNCIL officials are planning to have an arson-hit Crossgar play park reopened as soon as possible.

The Lislea Drive facility remains closed following the July 12 attack when a tyre was set alight, extensively damaging a play tower and rubber surfacing. The repair bill has been estimated at£85,000.

The figure was confirmed during a meeting last Friday between Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials, local politicians and representatives from the Crossgar Community Association when it emerged the local authority’s public liability insurance does not cover the damaged play equipment.

However, at the council’s monthly meeting on Monday night council officials indicated other insurance cover may pay for the replacement of the damaged equipment and undertook to further investigate the issue. 

The Crossgar Community Association is also keen to play a role in having the play park repaired and reopened as soon as possible and confirmed a number of local contractors have offered their support.

During last Friday’s meeting, Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews, who were joined by the community group’s chairman Paul Teggart, said they hope money to replace the damaged play equipment can be found and the play facility reopened as soon as is practically possible.

“The play park has to remain closed because it is simply too dangerous at the moment to allow children in at present,” said councillor Walker. “As soon as the damaged equipment is removed it can reopen and I hope this will happen as soon as possible so the play area is available for the remainder of the children’s summer holidays.”

He added: “The people who targeted the Lislea Drive facility have no idea of the pain and hurt they have caused to the local community. Not only that, if teenagers were responsible for this arson attack, their parents are going to end up paying for new equipment through their rates. 

“Despite the pressure on the council budget, I hope the money can be found to replace the damaged equipment at a park which has not yet been open a year following a £135,000 investment.”

Councillor Andrews said he has nothing but praise for the response of council staff in the wake of the arson attack and hopes the play park can reopen soon.

“The play tower was completely destroyed and if it was removed it would allow the play park to be reopened. There is mounting anger and disgust in the wake of the arson attack and I hope the money to allow the damaged equipment to be replaced can be identified.” he said.

During Monday night’s council meeting, Downpatrick councillor Colin McGrath said he hopes the play park could reopen as early as next week.

“While I appreciate some paperwork and red tape is inevitable to ensure the recovery of costs and prevent an unnecessary bill for ratepayers, this must not prohibit the use of the park by children. There has been some discussion that the community might have to fundraise to fix this facility and I find this unfair. This council needs to do all it can to have the park repaired and not burden the community with such costs,” he declared.

“I am sure the majority of the park can be opened quickly and have asked council officials to pursue the matter with our insurance company to prevent any delay in reopening this facility.”