Crossgar centre report is nearing completion

Crossgar centre report is nearing completion

29 May 2013

WORK on an economic appraisal for a new sports and community centre in Crossgar could be completed by the end of the summer.

The document is viewed as the crucial element needed to help unlock funding for the facility in a village which has experienced major growth over the past decade.

Representatives from the Crossgar Community Association who are spearheading the drive for the new centre, met last week with Down Council chief executive John Dumigan and Rowallane councillors.

Mr. Dumigan has agreed to open formal lines of communication between his senior staff and the Crossgar group to advance the new sports and community centre project.

The chief executive has also agreed to nominate one officer to work with the Crossgar group to help deliver other initiatives it is working on to help rejuvenate the village and surrounding area.

Mr. Dumigan has also agreed to provide local authority support for the formulation of a new village plan for Crossgar and facilitate a meeting between community officials and MLAs to advance the association’s various projects.

Mr. Philip Irvine, the Crossgar group’s secretary, described the meeting with the council chief executive as “productive” and hopes it will lead to progress on the much-needed new community facility.

“For many years, Crossgar has missed out on major investment from Down Council. While the needs of other towns and villages across the district have received generous local authority investment, Crossgar has not benefited in the same equitable way,” continued Mr. Irvine.

“Over the past decade, Crossgar has significantly increased in size and, with that growth, there is a requirement for the provision of community and recreational facilities to meet the needs of the local population.”

Mr. Irvine said the Crossgar group is committed to delivering these vital services for the people of the village, but warned it cannot do so without the backing of Down Council.

He said members hope the recent meeting with Mr. Dumigan marks a vital turning point in what the group recognises will be a difficult and lengthy journey to achieve all of the village’s objectives, including a new sports and community centre.

“We appreciate Mr. Dumigan’s agreement to put in place a series of measures and we look forward to working alongside him and his officials over the coming months,” Mr. Irvine continued.

The community official also paid tribute to Rowallane councillors for their “unstinting support” of the Crossgar group’s plans for the village. He said during the meeting with Mr. Dumigan, the Crossgar officials were joined by councillors Maria McCarthy, Billy Walker, Terry Andrews and Robert Burgess.

“They all impressed upon the council chief executive the need to provide fair and equitable support for Crossgar, bringing it into line with other towns and villages across the district,” said Mr. Irvine.

He added: “ With continued political support and a partnership approach between Down Council and the people of Crossgar, we can move on from the years of neglect and fashion a village that is an exemplar within both Down District and further afield.”