Bid to stop anti-social behaviour at play park

A gate has been installed and work has been completed on pedestrian access on the road adjacent to Fair Hill Primary School.

Last year The Leader reported vandalism and ongoing anti-social behaviour in the area, including glueing razor blades to play equipment.

Welcoming the works at Kinallen play park and pitch facility, Brenda Hale MLA commented, “Further to a meeting chaired by my colleague Jeffrey Donaldson MP in December and attended by myself and reps from SELB, PSNI, Council, Fair Hill Primary school and the local Community, I am delighted that the agreed works to install a gate and an adjoining pedestrian access on the road adjacent to Fair Hill Primary School, leading to the pitch and play area, has now been completed.

“These works will allow the local community to continue to access the play area to the rear of the school, whilst restricting unnecessary vehicular access.

“It is also hoped that SELB will carry out works to enhance this area at the school in the coming months, with additional fencing, up-graded street-lighting and CCTV installation, as was discussed at the December meeting.

“I would also take the opportunity to once again commend the continued good work and lobbying carried out by the local community group in Kinallen (KRCDA) and I look forward to working with them in the future.”

Also welcoming the works was local Councillor, Alderman Paul Rankin, said, “A lot of discussions and work went on behind the scenes to reach agreement between the Council and SELB, in regards to the installation of the new gate and the new pedestrian access. This is a positive result.

“I would also commend KRCDA, Fair Hill School representatives, SELB, PSNI, Council Officers, local elected reps Jeffrey Donaldson MP, Brenda Hale MLA, Councillor Hazel Gamble and former Councillor Olive Mercer, for their contribution to the discussions.”