Residents divided over play park
THE residents of Strathfoyle are divided over the proposed provision of a new play park in the area with some saying a mooted site on Clonmeen Drive would obstruct views of the River Foyle.
Others said they were 100 per cent behind the proposed Clonmeen Drive location.
Generally, however, people are agreed that Derry City Council should address the lack of play provision in the city suburb.
People living in the estate say there is an overwhelming need for action particularly in light of the recent regeneration other rural play areas.
The desire for such a development was made clear during a meeting in the estate attended by 35 residents and members of the Strathfoyle Community Association (SCA), Enagh Youth Forum (EYF) and Women’s Activity Group (WAG).
Local people complained of having to take their children miles from home to enjoy the play park in St Columb’s Park
Several residents stressed that they had no access to their own transport and as a consequence had to take the bus into Londonderry.
Although the need for a play park was highlighted some residents were concerned that the facilities should not be sited on the Owenmore Place/Clonmeen Drive site as this would block views of the River Foyle. Equally, residents want a fence along the railway line for safety reasons.
But there appear to be divisions in Strathfoyle over the location of a park in this area.
For example, a representation was received from “two residents who look onto Clonmeen Drive and who wish to preserve the beautiful views of the Foyle and are concerned that play facilities would generate noise, rubbish, quads, bikes, dog dirt, blue bags and the proximity of the railway line.”
“They stressed that a facility in this area would impact on older people who looked on the green space and was too isolated,” a Council report revealed.
But these views were not universal as the report continues: “Several other residents stated their 100 per cent support for the facilities at this Clonmeen Drive location given its size, scale and location.”
Other concerns raised were that play facilities may bring anti-social behaviour to the area due to congregations of youth.
Some residents suggested siting a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) on lands owned by WELB.
However, “the exiting bike park that was developed by Council and the community was considered by a resident as a waste of money.”
Another resident expressed the need to develop a potential site that could be used for festivals such as the green space at Parkmore/Dereen Drive.
Whilst concerns were raised in sitting new play provision in the ‘hollow’ on the site of the original play area due to poor surveillance.
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Weather for Londonderry
Thursday 20 June 2013
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