Group chair looks towards bright future in Killyleagh

Group chair looks towards bright future in Killyleagh

1 March 2017

KILLYLEAGH Community Association has a new chairman.

Mark Hasley said he is ready to embrace his challenging new role and work with others to raise the profile of the town which has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons over recent months.

Mr Hasley was the unanimous choice as the new group’s chairman at its inaugural meeting in the town’s Bridge Community Centre on Monday night when the group’s other office-bearers were appointed and a new constitution agreed.

A series of arson attacks in the town at the tail end of 2016 and early in the New Year were followed last week by vandals damaging a number of lights at the town’s harbour walkway.

They are incidents Mr Hasley does not want to see repeated, explaining he is keen to work with others to help secure funding to finance new community initiatives involving young people. He also  hopes to see the refurbishment of the children’s outdoor play area beside the town’s community centre.

Mr Hasley believes it’s vitally important Killyleagh has a group representing the views of residents and the business sector, one that will be able to access new funding opportunities.

“A look at neighbouring areas including Crossgar, Ballynahinch and Saintfield reveals what can be achieved by active community groups, the access they have to not only funders, but many statutory agencies which play important roles in their areas,” said Mr Hasley.

“Killyleagh has lagged behind other towns and villages when it comes to securing funding for a range of initiatives and that is something I hope to see changing.”

Mr Hasley is keen for Killyleagh secure funding for future community initiatives at Halloween and Christmas and is also keen for more people interested in joining the community group. Last night, he attended a meeting in Ballynahinch organised by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to discuss applications for small grants for community groups.

“This new group will be good for Killyleagh and represents a step forward,” said its chairman. “A challenge lies ahead for me and it is one I am looking forward to. Everyone is committed to working for the benefit of the town and I am encouraged by people’s willingness to do all they can to help.”

Referring to recent arson and vandalism attacks, Mr Hasley believes parents have an important role to steer their children away from such behaviour. He also hopes more activities can be provided for young people and paid tribute to the work of Chris and Michelle Hagan in setting up the Youth -In Centre in the town.

“Everyone who has signed up to join the new community group is on the same sheet. We have a healthy mix of mature and young people and are all committed to doing our best for Killyleagh and its people,” he said.

Mr Hasley added: “We now have direct access to the statutory agencies which is important as issues which arise can be discussed and dealt with effectively. Tonight is the start of what we hope is something very positive for Killyleagh.”

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews, who attended Monday night’s meeting, say they are pleased the new group’s office-bearers have been appointed “to allow it to get down to work” and both pledged to do all they can to support the group.

“This new group will give Killyleagh a new lease of life and help put the town on the map. The membership is a healthy mix of people from across the community and I have no doubt it will be successful,” said councillor Walker.

The Killyleagh group’s new office-bearers are vice-chairman, Raymond Love; secretary, Brian Osborne; assistant secretary, Mark Smith. Gawn Rowan-Hamilton was appointed treasurer and his deputy will be Matthew Morrison.