Plan for new Killyleagh group

Plan for new Killyleagh group

1 August 2012

A PUBLIC meeting is to be held in Killyleagh to explore the creation of a new community group in the town.

Councillor Billy Walker plans to hold the meeting in the Bridge Community Centre in early September and hopes people across the town will attend.

He said a town like Killyleagh should have a “vibrant community group” which can articulate the views and needs of its people and tackle key issues.

Councillor Walker said he was recently approached by a number of residents about the need to upgrade play facilities in the town. He said a number of Killyleagh parents are currently taking their children to the new Knocknashinna playground in Downpatrick.

He said at a time when community groups have a major role to play in securing funding for a range of projects, “Killyleagh must have its voice heard.”

He continued: “The establishment of vibrant community groups in other parts of the district is producing benefits. Just look at what’s happening in Saintfield, Crossgar and Ballyhornan where local people are driving the regeneration agenda.

“Work on a new playground is expected to start shortly in Saintfield as a result of the efforts of the town’s community group which has been successful in securing major funding.”

Councillor Walker said while in the past the onus on securing funding for community projects fell on Down Council’s shoulders, the situation has changed. He said community groups are now the drivers for change and securing funding.

“A number of people have approached me about upgrading the outdoor play area at the Bridge Centre in Killyleagh and I have advised them that there is no council funding for such schemes.

“However, I have made them aware of the role they can play, but that requires a vehicle such as a community group to be successful. The time has come for a new community group to be formed in Killyleagh.”

Councillor Walker said people in the town have not had a platform to debate areas of concerns for several years and believes if there is a will to form a new community group it can be successful.

He also highlighted the need for the new group to have representatives from housing areas and estates across Killyleagh.

Councillor Walker added: “I believe there is an appetite for a new community group in Killyleagh and hope the meeting I plan to call next month will pave the way for its establishment. A look at what’s happening in other areas suggests Killyleagh is missing out.”