£4.5m Invested In 49 Playgrounds Across Belfast

Belfast City Council has invested in the future of child's play by spending some £4.5 million on 49 playgrounds across the city.

The Playground Improvement Programme has been running since 2012/13 and the council has just announced work, worth £580,000 on another five playgrounds – work on the first of these begins this month.

Among the playgrounds marked for work this year are Glenbank; Duncairn Community Centre; Barnett's Demense; Fullerton Park; and Orangefield Park. The Department for Communities is also providing funding towards work at Hammer, Glenbank, Duncairn and Orangefield. 

Alderman Jim Rodgers, Chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "The Playground Improvement Scheme is part of our £325 million Capital Investment Programme that has seen major improvements in facilities across Belfast.

"These include the new outdoor facilities at Olympia Leisure Centre and the ongoing work for new outdoor sports and leisure facilities at Brook in the west of the city.

"Over the last six years the Playground Improvement Programme has made a significant impact on the overall quality of Belfast's playgrounds, greatly improving accessibility, providing new inclusive equipment, safety surfacing, boundary fencing, site furniture and landscaping works.

"Play facilities are now more inviting, inclusive and exciting places for children and parents to visit," added Alderman Rodgers.

"The investment also contributes to the aims of the Belfast Agenda – our long-term development plan for the city – which aims to improve life for those living in, working or visiting Belfast," said the Alderman.

Resurfacing Scheme On Sydney Street West To Begin On Friday

The Department for Infrastructure has announced that a £106,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on Sydney Street West, Belfast will begin on Friday 05 October 2018.

The resurfacing will take place on a section from Tennent Street to Cambrai Street with completion expected by Wednesday 10 October.

To help ensure the safety of road users and contractors the improvements will be carried out under the following road closures:

• Friday 05 October – 9.30 am until 4.30 pm and;

• Monday 08 October to Wednesday 10 October - 9.30 am until 4.30 pm.

During the hours of work parking will not be permitted on the carriageway and motorists should make alternative arrangements.

The public is asked to comply with the temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with care when travelling in the vicinity of the works. Diversionary routes will be clearly signed and access for residents will be maintained.

The dates and duration of the road closures will be dependent on the progress of the scheme and on favourable weather conditions. Whilst the Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise any inconvenience to the public, motorists should expect some delays and allow additional time when planning any journey.

SDLP And Unionist Slammed For Delay To Traveller Rights Body

Sinn Féin has slammed the SDLP for joining with unionist parties on Mid-Ulster District Council to delay the establishment of a new body to explore the implementation of rights for Travellers in the area.

Commenting after the Council's September meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Ronan McGinley said: "The SDLP joined forces with the UUP and DUP to 'defer' the establishment of a working group which had been previously agreed by the Environment Committee and would have been tasked with ensuring rights are delivered.

"It's hard to believe how the SDLP thought this action was acceptable. It's a disgrace and will be viewed by many as a violation of Travellers rights.

"There has been a lack of provision for Travellers in the Mid Ulster area for some time and sticking our heads in the sand and pretending there is not an issue is simply not an option.

"As a Council, we took the approach to work in partnership with others to try and resolve this. At a special meeting in July, a road map was set out which was satisfactory to all stakeholders. This included the establishment of a working group with the sole purpose of ensuring rights are delivered. It also would have ensured the Council is scrutinised in terms of its accountabilities, limitations and it's ability to assist with partnership working and exploring creative resolutions.

"The decision taken after being proposed by SDLP and backed by the UUP and DUP has no foundation. There was no valid reason as to why a working group should not be set up.

"This is not a true representation of the Mid Ulster District Council and Sinn Féin will be working over the coming weeks to overturn this ridiculous decision. We will continue to work to ensure that rights are delivered to all citizens of Mid Ulster."

(MH/CM)