Mourne’s Sinn Féin Cllr Willie Clarke, speaking following a site meeting with Murlough community group representatives and council officials to address community concerns associated with the Burrendale Play Park and adjacent green area, said:
“Among the issues discussed included the maintenance of the green area, It was agreed that Council would cut and mark out the area as a recreational sports pitch, with the erection of 7-a-side goal posts. It was also agreed that council would re-mark the hard surface play area, which will allow for a number of sports to be played, particularly during the winter months.
“The issue of anti-social behaviour in the play area is a major concern to the nearby residents with groups of minors drinking and breaking glass. This behaviour is unacceptable. Pensioners who live nearby have to live in fear from this behaviour.
“The area is also being used as a dog toilet by a few inconsiderate residents who are allowing their pets to foul the area. This renders the play park dangerous for the young children who want to use the park. I have raised this with enforcement and environmental officers from Newry Mourne and Down Council.
Cllr Clarke added: “Although there is a primary responsibility on statutory bodies to ensure this community asset is well maintained, it is important for the Burrendale community to be empowered to claim this area back for community use. I would appeal to parents and the youth of the area to embrace this opportunity and to positively work with the local community group, Council and other statutory bodies to design a development plan for the area, in preparation for future funding streams that will become available”.
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