Newcastle residents to get say on Downs Road play park plan

Newcastle residents to get say on Downs Road play park plan

22 January 2020

RESIDENTS in Newcastle are being urged to have their say on a planned upgrade of the popular Downs Road play park.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is asking local people to complete a survey which looks at various options on the way forward.

Mournes councillor Willie Clarke is delighted with the decision to upgrade the play park and said the decision will be warmly welcomed.

He has been campaigning for the current play equipment to be upgraded and revealed that the original proposal in the local authority’s play strategy was to upgrade play equipment at the nearby Newcastle Centre in the new financial year.

However, the Central Promenade base has been earmarked as the site for a new leisure centre in the heart of the resort by the local council.

Cllr Clarke said this proposed development has provided council officials with the opportunity to use the funding earmarked for the Newcastle Centre play area to upgrade the Downs Road facility instead.

“This is an extremely well used well used facility by local families and visitors alike,” the Mournes councillor explained. “It is essential that this seafront facility is refurbished to a high standard.”

Cllr Clarke said given that the local authority is surveying what people would like to see provided, it is essential they respond.

He continued: “I would encourage all play park users to respond to this survey and will be calling for all-ability equipment to be provided to cater for children with special needs.

“In line with the council’s commitment to consultation, we are conducting this survey to assess preferred options for enhancing play provision within the overall area.”

Cllr Clarke said links to the survey are available via the local authority website and that there are two parts. One is aimed at towards parents and carers, with the second appropriate for children and young people.

He added: “The views and opinions of children, young people and communities are highly important to the council and will provide the organisation with an opportunity to actively participate in the process of improving play experiences.”

The time and closing date for completing the surveys are 5pm on Friday, January 31.