Sewage forces another closure of sports pitches

Sewage forces another closure of sports pitches

23 November 2011 - by DAVID TELFORD

RAW sewage is continuing to force the closure of Down District’s premier sports pitches at Dunleath Park in Downpatrick.

The pitches have been closed to the public for the past two weekends and fears are growing they could remain shut for longer until the affected areas have been cleaned.

Concern is also growing for the safety of children in particular who use the pitches every Saturday and Sunday which are regularly being contaminated with untreated sewage seeping onto the playing surface at various locations.

One area affected by the latest spill has been fenced off by Down Council and there are concerns about water contamination at the locally named plank drain which runs alongside the sports pitches.

Local politicians say as a result of the latest incident, work on a proposed £2m scheme at Dunleath Park by NI Water to bury a huge sewage collection tank must be made an immediate priority.

Councillors Éamonn Mac Con Midhe and John Doris have also called on Down Council to hold emergency talks with NI Water and the Rivers Agency to resolve the problems at Dunleath.

Councillor Mac Con Midhe said some parents are reluctant to allow their children to use the sports pitches and said he is worried more than just one area is affected by sewage spills.

“The plank drain is really stinking at the moment and there’s increasing concern about the scale of the sewage problem at Dunleath. How much longer will this major health hazard remain unresolved? Hundreds of young people use the sports pitches every weekend and must be able to do so safely.

“I believe it’s time for a major investigation to determine not only the cause of the sewage spill, but the scale of the problem we are dealing with. There is no doubt the problem is getting worse and it’s inevitable there will be more incidents of this kind in the future which is simply not acceptable,” he said.

Councillor Doris, who has raised concerns about sewage spills at Dunleath Park in the past and also the state of the plank drain, said he’s “greatly concerned” the sports pitches have once again been closed as a result of sewage seeping onto the playing surface.

“We need to sort this issue out once and for all. It’s something which must be addressed and has been allowed to go on for to long with various agencies blaming each other.

“Raw sewage and parts of the plank drain which are open pose a real danger, especially to young people and those who walk in Dunleath Park. It’s time for all the relevant agencies to sit down to come up with an action plan. Given 21st century engineering methods this should not be too tough a nut to crack,” he added.

A Down Council spokeswoman said the health and safety of people who use its recreation grounds is of “paramount importance.” She confirmed that as a result of the problems which have occurred at Dunleath Park, the playing fields have had to be closed for the past two weekends, describing this as “regrettable.”

The spokeswoman added: “Down Council has been in contact with the various agencies responsible for the drainage system with a view to working towards a solution to the problem.”