Support for Smithfield plan

Councillors were given the chance on Saturday morning to see at first hand the current state of Ballymena’s Smithfield Park and hear of plans to regenerate it.
Ballymena Councillors who met with Louise Thompson (chair) and members of the Smithfield Park and Area Association on Saturday morning to have a walk round the area to see what they can do to improve it. INBT 46-851HBallymena Councillors who met with Louise Thompson (chair) and members of the Smithfield Park and Area Association on Saturday morning to have a walk round the area to see what they can do to improve it. INBT 46-851H
Ballymena Councillors who met with Louise Thompson (chair) and members of the Smithfield Park and Area Association on Saturday morning to have a walk round the area to see what they can do to improve it. INBT 46-851H

A written invitation had been issued to elected representatives and Council officers to meet at the site, known locally as Lamont playing fields, by the newly formed community group, Smithfield Association.

The Association emerged back in the summer in response to public concerns raised through the local press and social media about the condition of and anti-social behaviour in Smithfield Park.

In her letter, presented at last Monday night’s monthly Council meeting, Association Association Chairperson Louise Thompson, said they hoped that, following Saturday’s walkabout, Council would co-chair a formal interagency to galvanise their efforts.

She stated that the group’s short-term ambition was to improve the environment and build on the ever increasing community spirit.

It’s aim, in the longer term, is for the park to be reinstated to its former glory.

Louise also stated that the Smithfield Association was keen to discuss the potential of this with council in order to make a joint approach for additional funds to revamp the park for neighbourhood needs.

She said there was also the hope that regeneration of the park could “build on the experience for commuters from the public bus/train station and connect the only green space in the heart of the town to the business community”.

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