Newcastle area Councillor Patrick Clarke (Alliance) addresses the issue of the provision of a new children’s play area in Clanvaraghan village following concerns raised by local constituents. They are concerned at the current lack of leisure facilities for children and young people.  He has now raised the matter with officers in the Recreation Department of Down District Council.

He believes that the recent Clanvaraghan village plan completed back in June 2012 clearly refers to no outdoor play facilities in Clanvaraghan village and has identified following a community survey and consultation process the need for a new play area as a key priority project for the village.

Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “In 2012 consultants were commissioned by Drumaroad & Clanvaraghan Community Association to complete a detailed village plan identifying key priorities and actions which Clanvaraghan village would like to see implemented.

“Following the publication of the village plan  a new children’s play area was one of the main community issues and key projects local villagers would like.

“Back in 2012 the community survey identified that the number of young children has increased significantly in recent years as new housing development has become available.  The survey  showed that over 48 per cent of the total of over 100 children in the village are under the age of five and a further 39 per cent are between six and twelve years of age.  There was overwhelming support in the community survey for the provision of a play area with seventy six per cent of respondents identifying it as a number one need for the village.

“The Association with advice from Down District Council officers had previously identified a site for a play area in the  village .”

“I would therefore like to see Clanvaraghan secure funding in the near future for a new play park area.  I have already raised the matter of the need for outdoor play facilities for children and young people with Down District Council and have liaised with the Drumaroad and Clanvaraghan Community Association and other relevant organisations.

“I am therefore committed to the provision and securement of a new children’s play area in Clanvaraghan village following the concerns raised by local constituents at the current lack of leisure facilities for children and young people and hope the matter can be progressed in the near future with support from Down District Council,” added Councillor Clarke.