Council to examine funding for playarea upgrade plans

The document, which gathered several hundred signatures last month, was presented to members at the latest meeting of the local authority.

Local man Bobby Rice, who established the petition in partnership with Greenisland Community Association, claimed the area had been ‘forgotten about’ in terms of regeneration.

“A whole new play park is needed as what’s there at the minute is about 30 years old,” he told the Times in June. “Apart from getting the play equipment painted and new fencing put up, nothing has been done to the park and it’s not fit for purpose. There are parents who bring disabled kids to the park and they can’t use the facilities as they aren’t suitable.

“People in this area feel they’ve been forgotten about, especially the kids.”

Speaking at Monday evening’s meeting, Councillor Charlie Johnston indicated that an upgrade at the play area was long overdue.

“It’s in the overall plan for the area to have an upgrade at the play park,” the Knockagh representative said.

“It’s something we should keep in mind when we are looking at our estimates but certainly there have been plans in place for a while and nothing has been done.”

Meanwhile, Alderman Jim Brown suggested that residents of the Greenisland area should be kept informed of any plans for an upgrade.

“It’s important that we reiterate our commitment to proving adequate play areas for children in all areas of the borough,” he said.

“It’s also important that we inform every resident who added their signature to the petition of what is going to happen as regards the play park; I would suggest that something be included in the next issue of Compass magazine.”