Public meeting will highlight Crossgar community needs

Public meeting will highlight Crossgar community needs

11 September 2013

PEOPLE in Crossgar are to be given a say in what new sports and community facilities are needed in the village.

Residents are being invited to attend a consultation event at the end of the month in the War Memorial Community Hall which will be attended by specialist consultants.

They have been appointed by Down Council 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.

Association secretary, Mr. Philip Irvine, described the economic appraisal being undertaken by Otium Leisure Consultants as a crucial piece of work.

He said the forthcoming consultation evening is also critically important and is designed to help shape the delivery of new facilities in the village.

“It’s essential people in Crossgar and the surrounding area attend the September 27 event,” he continued.

“It provides an important opportunity for each and every one of them 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.”

Mr. Irvine explained that if the economic appraisal determines that 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.

“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,” he declared.

Otium Leisure Consultancy, assisted by Farrell Kelly Associates, has already carried out a feasibility study into the proposed Crossgar project.

Otium director Tony Morrison said the consultation provided an opportunity for local stakeholders to outline the facilities they need and how they might use them.

He added: “The economic appraisal will be informed by what we are told at the consultation evening and the final recommendation should be supported with evidence of need and demand. That’s why it’s important for clubs and groups and other interested parties to take up this opportunity.”

The community consultation takes place in the War Memorial Community Hall on September 27 at 7pm.