Council pitches remain closed

Although all Coca/Cola Irish Junior Cup ties have not been postponed yet, it's believed matches up and down the province will be called off later this week.

Derry City Council has announced that all of its sports pitches will be closed this weekend as a result of the ongoing inclement weather conditions.

A spokesperson for Leisure Services explained that while there is some evidence of a slight thaw, more freezing weather is expected, and it is recommended not to use the grass pitches until they are fully defrosted.

Two sporting events scheduled for St Columb's Park on Friday, have been postponed.

The second heat of the Derry Primary Schools Cross Country Championships due to be staged in the park has been postponed by one week subject to a further inspection of the course next week.

While a sponsored walk through the park on behalf of the British Heart Foundation has also been postponed and another date possibly in February is being considered.

The spokesperson added that all council's synthetic pitches, athletic tracks and Multi-Use Games Area's also remain closed and are likely to remain so until next weekend. Members of the public using council parks and playgrounds are urged to continue to exercise caution as paths remain slippery.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Derry City Council on (028) 71365151.