Council caravan parks to be 5 star

The Juniper Hill and Carrick Dhu sites between them can house over 800 static caravans and over 120 touring caravans. Waiting lists for both sites are currently full.

At a meeting of Council’s Leisure and Development Committee last week, members agreed to press on with a development programme for the sites.

Richard Baker, Corporate Director of Leisure and Development told the meeting that the caravan sites benefit the wider economy in the borough and generation income which benefits the ratepayer.

Improvement put forward by the director for the sites include better electricity, water supply and drainage, improving infrastructure and making the sites ‘a home from home’ for users.

SDLP Alderman Maura Hickey welcomed the investment describing the sites as ‘the jewel in the crown’.

UUP councillor Norman Hillis said that upgrading the sites was a ‘win for the ratepayer and a win for visitors’.

DUP councillor Michelle Knight McQuillan welcomed the upgrade but added: “It has taken a long time for us to catch on that we need to look after our best assets.”

Mr Baker reminded the meeting that since 2006, around £2million has been spent on the sites.