A bitter row has erupted in Ards and North Down Council after a commitment not to close play parks in the borough was reversed.
At the council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee earlier this month, elected members agreed to a motion put forward by independent Councillor Tom Smith, not to close any play parks recommended by the council’s play strategy.
The motion stated: “This council recognises the great anger from residents regarding the proposed closure of play parks contained in the Play Strategy. This council notes the strong public opposition from residents in Donaghadee, Groomsport, Ballywalter and beyond, including a petition signed by nearly 1,700 people as well as hundreds of letters and emails opposing the plans.”
Read more: Ballywalter lime kilns to receive listed status, Council hears
Ards and North Down Lord Mayor, UUP Councillor Mark Brooks, seconded the motion. The motion passed with DUP, UUP and Green support.
However, at the recent full meeting of the council, both the DUP and the UUP rowed back on the commitment, after an amendment by DUP Alderman Stephen McIlveen was passed, which returned the play parks' decision back to committee level for reconsideration. This was seconded by UUP Councillor Philip Smith.
Alderman McIlveen told the chamber: “This isn’t a matter of voting down or supporting this particular motion. I feel that there are consequences and issues that flow from this, that if accepted by the council tonight, were not made clear to the committee when making the decision. There were also a number of people absent from the committee at the time whenever this particular decision was made.”
He added: “There are consequences for plans that are in place to be delivered, as part of the play park strategy, which is currently on ice as a result of this particular decision. I think there are probable alternatives that can satisfy all parties, so I think it would be pertinent to refer it back.”
It is estimated the play park strategy will cost the council on average £170,000 per year over a ten year period.
Alliance Councillor Nick Mathison said: “I think there are potential consequences as a fallout of the decision taken by the committee that would require considering a bit more detail, certainly around costs. I would like to hear a bit more discussion around the proposed process of local consultation, should any play park be in the future earmarked for closure.
“That is key, that the local community affected by the decision would have the opportunity to have their voices heard, and furthermore members would have their opportunity to debate those specific individual decisions as they arise, within the financial context of the time. It is important to remember this is a ten year strategy, and it is important not to tie our hands at this stage.”
He added: “I fully appreciate the issues within particular district electoral areas, and the desire for local representatives to fight the corner for their local community, as they see it. But I would like to see us maintain that strategic approach.”
He said: “There does seem to be a narrative emerging that if this motion doesn’t pass certain play parks will close, and I don’t think that is the space we are in. There is a process to be followed whereby the council has a say on those issues, and local people will be consulted.”
Independent Councillor Tom Smith, who represents Bangor East and Donaghadee, said: “This is about play park closures. Let’s remember what the play strategy actually says, the strategy proposed by the DUP and supported by the UUP and Alliance - it says in terms of the play parks in my area, Hunt’s Park, Pink’s Green and Beechfield are actually surplus to requirements. That is now council policy, our council says they are surplus to requirements, and will be removed.”
He added: “In terms of Groomsport, it says if the seafront play park is upgraded, then the other play park will be removed, it will become surplus to requirements.
“If you are talking about consultation - a petition of 1,700 people said keep their play parks, and this council turns a deaf ear to it. That is the policy of this council, not to listen when the people speak.”
He added: “This is just a talking shop. One of the reasons this is being done now is to kick it past the next election. The DUP don’t want to be knocking doors in Donaghadee and Groomsport saying 'give us your vote, and by the way we are going to close your play park'.”
DUP Councillor Janice MacArthur said: “I am very disappointed by the substantive misinformation that has been put out there in the public domain, and the whipping up of people who are obviously very aggrieved at their play park being potentially closed. We have already heard that is not going to happen.”
Read more: DUP man working for MLA who quit party won't say who voters should back in election
Read more: Bangor’s Flagship Centre car park reopening stalled after proposal 'turned down' by council
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
