FOLLOWING a number of complaints from users of a playground in Castlewellan, Down District Councillor Willie Clarke said: “I attended an interagency community meeting last week at the playground located at Paul Magorrian Park in Castlewellan where the problems faced by residents created by visitors to the new playground were outlined.
“The playground has become very popular by children and parents from all over the district. This has caused a problem with vehicles blocking access to driveways and the turning area being blocked.
“I explained at the meeting that a long-term solution focuses on the Housing Executive agreeing to transfer land for the provision of car parking in the area to Down District Council. The playground has been installed in a partnership approach between Down District Council and Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche. This partnership needs to continue in order to resolve these problems.”
Councillor Clarke added: “However, as a short term measure residents asked if some signage could be erected on the fence asking visitors, when parking to consider the need for local residents to access their properties and not obstruct footways or turning spaces. Council will progress this request.
“I would like to pay tribute to Down Rural Community Network for arranging the inter agency meeting and for all who attended to resolve these issues, when the play park opened there was a problem with anti social behaviour;.This matter has been resolved in the main, by the local community group, PSNI, PCSP, Housing Executive and elected representatives working together.”
