Crossgar people urged to join in

Crossgar people urged to join in

29 August 2012 - by David Telford

PEOPLE in Crossgar are being urged to make the most of the opportunity to have a key input into formulating a new development plan for the village.

Everyone is being given a chance to express their views on how they would like to see the village progress during a series of focus groups at Crossgar War Memorial Hall.

The first is being held tonight at 7.30pm for young people aged between 12 and 18 or those who work with them, with the second tomorrow night for those involved with any type of community group.

On September 5, the War Memorial Hall is the venue for a public meeting for everyone to give their views.

Councillor Maria McCarthy is urging residents to take part in the process to draw up a new village plan.

“There will be a series of public meetings in the War Memorial Hall to engage public opinion on the future of Crossgar and will be organised by the Rural Community Network in conjunction with Down Council,” she explained.

“I would encourage everyone who lives in the village and surrounding area, particularly from sporting and community groups, to come along and put forward their view for the future.”

Councillor McCarthy said while the first two meetings will be focused on young people and community groups respectively, the planned public meeting on September 5 is open to all.

She continued: “These meetings provide people with an opportunity to put forward their vision of the future of Crossgar. I look forward to hearing strategies and opinions from everyone on how the village can develop and provide services for the good of the entire community, right across the spectrum.

“We all want Crossgar to be a thriving village where people can do business, educate their children, socialise, host sporting events and, most importantly, feel safe in their homes. It is through engaging with officials at events like this that people can put forward their vision for the town.”