Probe underway over Langley pitch floods

Probe underway over Langley pitch floods

2 May 2012 - by David Telford

INVESTIGATIONS are to take place to determine the cause of a major flooding problem at the Langley Road sports pitches in Ballynahinch.

Representatives from Northern Ireland Water and the Rivers Agency met with community and sports club officials in the town on Monday to discuss the problem.

Ballynahinch councillor Garth Craig arranged the meeting in response to local concern that flooding can result in the Down Council-owned soccer pitches at Langley Road being unavailable for up to three months during the winter due to flooding.

Joining him at Monday’s meeting were Andrew Steenson and Ian McNeill from the Langley Road Residents’ Association and Jim Wilson from Temple Rangers Football Club.

Councillor Craig revealed it emerged during the meeting that flooding at the Langley Road results in water rising close to a number of homes at Willow Park adjacent to the sports pitches.

He continued: “The other big problem is the major disruption caused to the football schedule, especially during the winter months. Mr. Wilson indicated that for up to three months of the year during the winter, the sports pitches are unplayable.

“The Temple Rangers official explained that heavy rain on a Thursday night

can result in games the following Saturday being cancelled as the pitches are flooded.”

Councillor Craig said the unavailability of the pitches poses major problems for soccer officials who have to try and reorganise matches at other venues.

The Ballynahinch councillor plans to work with the various agencies involved in order to resolve the drainage issue and contact Down Council officials as well.

Councillor Craig said while work was carried out at the Langley pitches a number of years ago to tackle the flooding problem, more may now need to be done.

He added: “It is possible the problem may be further along the drainage system at this part of the town and that this will be the focus of investigations over the next few weeks.

“It’s important to determine the causes of the flooding and rectify the problem to prevent potential flooding problems at the Willow Park area and provide sports pitches that can be used throughout the year.”