Praise for drainage work at Langley Road pitches

Praise for drainage work at Langley Road pitches

24 October 2018

MAJOR investment to significantly improve drainage at the Langley Road playing fields in Ballynahinch has made a major difference.

Newcastle League soccer side Ballynahinch Young Men, who were forced to play their home games at the Assumption Grammar School’s 3G pitch last year, have been able to return to their home ground following a near £80,000 investment by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Earlier this year, the need to upgrade the sports pitches topped the agenda during a meeting between local politicians and senior council officials when it was agreed to upgrade the drainage system which had rendered the soccer pitches unplayable.

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker said flood water was lying on top of the pitches and not finding its way to the drains underneath which resulted in the soccer team not only having to relocate, but also pay for the hire of an alternative pitch.

He said it was clear a new drainage system was required and thanked local council officials and Strangford MP Jim Shannon for their efforts to ensure this was done.

“The pitches could not be used over the winter months but, as a result of the significant investment, Ballynahinch Young Men have been able to return to the Langley Road and the pitch is holding up well,” he explained.

“I have also been working with the local council on this issue and would like to thank local authority director Michael Lipsett and D J Morgan for their help and assistance. The new drainage system has made a major difference.”

Cllr Walker said the swift response of council officials to the concerns raised by the soccer team has enabled the drainage scheme to be completed quicker than anticipated.

He added: “There was an urgency to have the work completed and council officials responded to the challenge which was helped by the full council agreeing to increasing the level of funding that was initially envisaged for this project.

“Last season, Ballynahinch Young Men only played a handful of games at their home ground before they were forced to move. All the club’s players and officials are pleased to be back at Langley Road.”

The work on the sports pitches has also been welcomed by another Rowallane councillor, Terry Andrews.

“Thanks must go to council officials for their commitment and hard work and the sports pitches can now be used in all weathers,” he said.

“We had a very positive meeting with council officials many months ago to press for a new drainage scheme and they have delivered.”