Bann clean-up needed at Kenvara Park

That’s UUP Alderman David McClarty’s opinion of part of the River Bann at Kenvara Park where litter gathers and makes the river unsightly.

Alderman McClarty described the Bann as the jewel in Coleraine’s crown at Wednesday’s meeting of Council’s Leisure and Environment Committee.

He said: “Because of human involvement and disregard for the environment, the river has become polluted to such an extent that it could become a health hazard.

“Kenvara Park is a particular example of this. Whether it’s litter being forced there because of the movement of tides, I’m not sure but it’s right on our doorstep and it’s one of the worst cases on the river.

“Who is responsible for this area?” he asked.

Director of Technical Services Desi Wreath agreed that the area at Kenvara Park has been “a thorn in our side” down through the years as Council has been unable to find out who actually owns the land.

“It is the responsibility of the landowner but they can’t be identified. Coleraine Borough Council has cleaned up that area on several occasions.”

Alderman McClarty asked if Council and Waterways Ireland couldn’t come to an agreement about who is responsible.

Mr Wreath agreed to look at the issue again.