Croob Park ‘run down’ with weeds

Croob Park ‘run down’ with weeds

18 July 2018

OVERGROWN weeds are blighting Croob Park in Ballynahinch.

Residents are complaining of two-feet high weeds in the common areas of the estate, which they say haven’t been cleared properly in three years.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It is bad at the entrance to Croob Park beside Ballynahinch Primary School. “The weeds are covering steps leading down into the houses.

“The Edge Youth Centre in Ballynahinch have come to help clear the weeds. But I haven’t seen anyone else for the past three, four, five years. Nobody from the council or Housing Executive has been round.”

She said at times there were also bags of collected leaves left to rot and branches lying around.

“It is making the whole place look run down,” she said. “Ninety-nine per cent of people here are fussy about their properties so it is a bit depressing when you look outside and see that. It lowers the whole tone. 

“Even when visitors come you are embarrassed for them having to see it.”

Another resident also praised the Edge group for their efforts.

“They were very good,” he said. “They came off their own bat and attempted to do it.

“A few yards away from your front door you are confronted by these massive weeds even in the winter time, which is dangerous. In the bad weather someone could slip.”

A Housing Executive spokesman said they didn’t own the steps into the estate.

Regarding any other areas, the spokesman said: “We have not received any complaints but if residents want to get in touch with any concerns they can.”

A Newry Mourne and Down Council spokesman said the maintenance of Croob Park did not fall under its remit and advised contacting the Department for Infrastructure.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesman said they were looking into matter.