MP gives backing for Crossgar community centre appraisal

MP gives backing for Crossgar community centre appraisal

14 March 2013

SOUTH Down MP Margaret Ritchie has called on Down Council to provide funding to finance an economic appraisal on a new community centre and sports complex in Crossgar.

She made the call following a meeting last week with senior officials from the Crossgar Community Association who are keen to see the new facilities provided.

Miss Ritchie said the Crossgar group has done a great deal of work on various projects in the village, but the number one goal is the provision of a much-needed community centre and sports complex.

A feasibility study undertaken by consultants working on behalf of Down Council in 2008 highlighted the need for the new facilities and identified a number of potential sites.

Miss Ritchie said it’s now crucial Down Council provides the required funding to allow an economic appraisal in relation to the potential development sites to be carried out.

“This funding must be identified as a matter of urgency in order to allow further monies to be sourced for construction and build,” the MP declared.

Miss Ritchie said given Crossgar’s growing population and the number of sport clubs in the village, the proposed new facility is very much needed. She said it will also serve to further develop local community and sporting groups.

The MP confirmed she is seeking a meeting with Down Council’s Director of Recreation, Mr. Michael Lipsett, in a bid to ensure funding is identified as soon as possible for the economic appraisal.

She added: “I am committed to ensuring Crossgar and the surrounding area has access to first class community and sports facilities. I look forward to working closely with the Crossgar Community Association to bring this plan to fruition.”

Rowallane councillor Maria McCarthy described the recent meeting with community officials as “fruitful,” explaining it helped identify a path forward for facilities Crossgar so desperately needs.

She added: “I have given my commitment to work closely with the Crossgar Community Association to help bring this ambition to reality.”