Ballykelly Community Association stil seeking new premises

The local community group have been campaigning for years for an upgrade on their current facilities, with a move to the now vacant former Shackleton military base a long held ambition.

Tina McCloskey, who works for the local community and youth association, told the Sentinel that a new and improved location would benefit the entire village.

Now, following an extensive period of ‘consultation’, a further ‘discussion and planning session’ has been held at the Drummond Hotel.

In a report presented to Limavady’s elected representatives ahead of a council meeting scheduled for last night, Director of Development Valerie Richmond explained: “As part of the Causeway Communities Engagement Programme, the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has been undertaking some work in Ballykelly around the need for a shared community facility. The existing facility located at Kings Lane is due to reach the end of its 15 year life expectancy in 2016. To date consultation has been undertaken with a range of stakeholders representing MLA’s, Elected Members, public, private and community sectors. Young people and older people have also been consulted.”

Tina McCloskey, speaking to the Sentinel as the association launched a recent survey, explained the need for a new and improved venue for community activities in Ballykelly: “It is definitely something that is needed. We are very out of the way up here, and it is pre-fab so its lifespan is not something that is all that great. We are here 12 years now so it is about the time that we have to look for something else. That is the stage we are at.”