Residents taking ‘offence’

Community College has led to sabres being drawn by local residents.

One concerned resident says he feels it is a shame the area is being closed off to the public and is calling for the green space to continue to be open to local residents.

He explained: “The school has offered the unique arrangement of an open green space that has been shared with the local community for several decades.

“Significant numbers of children and adults have benefited greatly from their access to the pitches and in an age that recognises the importance of regular exercise, the loss of this green space is a huge concern to local residents.”

He continued: “It would appear a gross overreaction to fence of a wonderful area of green space and punish the local community.

“The DUP have been supportive of my concerns and are exploring ways to maintain this green space as an area that will remain accessible to the local community.”

However the South Eastern Education and Library Board say the fencing is for safety reasons and will enhance the school.

An SEELB spokesperson commented: “The South Eastern Education and Library Board is pleased to be investing significant funding in a fencing scheme to secure its site at Laurelhill Community College.

“This project is in direct response to the needs of the children and young people attending the school and aims to deliver a safe and protected environment in which their curricular and recreational needs can be met.”

They added: “When completed this fence will provide a considerable enhancement to Laurelhill Community College, offering pupils protection from vehicles on the Prince William and Laurelhill Roads and improving the overall cleanliness and condition of the grass areas.”

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Leisure Services Committee said he hoped the space “can be used in a positive and constructive way”.