Dad criticises council over delays in cleaning playing fields

Robert Rainey has criticised Lisburn City Council for failing to clean the area after the matches, despite the issue being raised with numerous local politicians.

“Matches are played at Ballymacoss pitches from 9am to 4pm most Saturdays,” explained Mr Rainey. “This produces considerable amounts of litter such as papers, tins, bottles etc. But the litter is not cleaned up during or after the matches end, but is left until Monday or later in the week.”

He continued: “The issue has been raised with councillors, MLAs, MP and Council officials and the problem still persists. It can only be described as an eyesore.”

Mr Rainey added: “Rates are rising but service from Lisburn City Council is worse than ever.”

However, a spokesperson for the council insisted the playing fields are cleaned as soon as is possible.

“Lisburn City Council’s playing fields are inspected and cleared of litter in advance of football matches being played on a Saturday,” she said.

“Due to winter daylight hours and football matches not ending until 5.00pm, some playing fields can only be inspected and cleared of any rubbish on a Sunday morning.

“The Council playing fields are also inspected on a Monday morning, and any work required to prepare the facility for public use during the week is carried out,” she concluded.

* Robert Rainey contacted the Star via Twitter, If you have a story or photographs to share, you can contact us the same way by going to Twitter @LisburnStar.