A memorial park in Derry is at risk of 'sliding back' over a lack of funding from the local council, it has emerged.
Jon 'Ugg' Clifford Park, which is often used by local schools and community groups in the Marlborough Terrace area, had been scheduled for upgrades after several pieces of equipment were damaged.
But local councillor Patricia Logue is now warning that the local area cannot "afford to lose facilities" after years of "good work" after claiming that Derry and Strabane Council said no funding had been allocated for the site in the short term.
“The local community campaigned and lobbied hard for many years for this popular park to be redeveloped," the Sinn Fein representative said.
"This is a great facility right in the heart of the area, with the children’s play park being central to that.
“I have been contacted by users of the park asking me to lobby for a number of damaged features in the play park that have been removed to be replaced.
"The council have confirmed to me they are currently reviewing all play provision and looking at how they plan to schedule upgrades for play areas like Jon Clifford-Bull Park.
"But they have also told me that there is no budget for replacement of equipment in the short term.
“I feel we need to explore all options to ensure that all play features at this park are kept."
The facility, which was originally named Bull Park, was officially renamed after Jon Clifford in 2013 for his work in championing the facility for almost four decades.
Jon 'Ugg' Clifford, who died after in 2011 while waiting for a lung transplant, was synonymous with football in the city.
He was a founder of the Derry and District League team Tristar Boys.
The local hero also played for various teams around Ireland, including Derry City, and had a brief spell at Nottingham Forest as a youth.
Patrica Logue added: "As the local representative, I will be doing all I can to ensure this happens.
“This park is well looked after and maintained by the council and residents.
"We cannot afford to lose facilities here nor let all the good work done over the years slide back."
A spokesperson for the Derry City and Strabane District Council said a number of items had been removed due to "vandalism" at the play park.
"Play provision across the City and District is currently being reviewed and assessed so that a programme of repairs and upgrades can be planned," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also urged parents to be aware of their children's whereabouts and reinforce the message that parks are shared community spaces for everyone to enjoy.
