A PUBLIC consultation event is being held in Crossgar this Friday night to give residents a say on what new sports and community facilities are needed in the village.
The event is being held in the War Memorial Community Hall at 7pm and specialist consultants appointed by Down Council will be attending.
The consultants are to undertake an economic appraisal into the provision of much-needed sport and community facilities in the village which the Crossgar Community Association is determined to see provided.
The economic appraisal is being undertaken by Otium Leisure Consultants and Friday night’s meeting is designed to help shape the delivery of new facilities in the village.
Community Association secretary, Philip Irvine, said it’s essential people in Crossgar and surrounding area attend the event.
“It provides an important opportunity for local people to have their say into what sort of facilities are needed in Crossgar, where they should be located and show their support in helping realise these much needed amenities,” he said.
Mr. Irvine explained that if the economic appraisal determines there is a need and a suitable location can be found, the next stage will be to identify funders, secure the development site and move towards tendering for a contractor to start building work.
He added: “To get to this stage we need everyone in the village to come out to have their say and show support for the proposed new facilities. The consultation event is Crossgar’s opportunity to put its case forward for new sports and community facilities.”
Rowallane councillors Maria McCarthy, Terry Andrews and Billy Walker are urging people to make the most of the opportunity Friday night’s meeting presents.
Councillor McCarthy said Friday evening is an opportunity for the “community to deliver for the community” and is encouraging as many people as possible to have their say.
She added: “Down Council has worked hard to deliver funding for this economic appraisal which is another stepping stone towards building a first class community and sports facility in the village which will be available for residents and those in Kilmore, Teconnaught and Darragh Cross.”
Councillor Andrews said Friday’s meeting allows people to have a key input into a decision-making process designed to pave the way for much-needed community and leisure facilities in Crossgar.
“There has been a major lack of investment in the village but that’s something the Crossgar community group aims to put right, with the help of others, including Down Council,” he added.
Councillor Walker said over the past few months the community group has been working extremely hard to raise the profile of the village and is determined to help spearhead the delivery of new community and leisure facilities.