MEA Council told Broughshane has ‘waited long enough’ amid concerns over changing facilities

Changing facilities at the local Broughshane Community Centre

Mould, leaking water, inadequate toilets and concerns about water close to electrical installations have prompted a renewed demand for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to take urgent action at Broughshane Playing Fields.

UUP Councillor Alan Barr and TUV Councillor Chrissy Jamieson say local clubs, players and volunteers have endured “plainly substandard” changing facilities for long enough and now need a firm plan for improvements — not further discussion or inaccessible funding schemes.

The councillors recently met the council’s Director of People, alongside other representatives, to press concerns raised by clubs using the playing fields. Options were discussed, but representatives are still awaiting a solution capable of meeting teams’ needs.

Safety and accessibility concerns

The problems highlighted include mould, leaks and inadequate toilet provision, with no dedicated female or disabled toilets. Concerns have also been raised about water close to electrical installations.

UUP Braid Councillor Alan Barr

Councillor Barr said the condition of the building could no longer be treated as a minor maintenance issue.

“These facilities are simply not good enough. Mould, leaks and water around electrical installations are serious concerns, while the lack of female and disabled toilets is unacceptable.

“Chrissy and I have been working with the clubs on this for a considerable time. It is therefore noticeable that some other elected representatives have only now discovered the issue.

“There is a difference between being involved when there is an election coming up and doing the groundwork with clubs throughout the year.

“Broughshane needs action, not social media likes.”

TUV Braid Councillor Chrissy Jamieson

Councillor Jamieson said those using the facilities deserve clear answers about immediate measures and the council’s longer-term plan.

“The clubs have been raising these concerns for a long time and deserve to know that they are being taken seriously.

“This is about much more than the appearance of a building. The clubs, players and volunteers who use these facilities should not have to put up with conditions which are plainly substandard.

“We have met with senior Council management because we want clear answers about what can be done immediately and what the longer-term plan is.

“Those using Broughshane Playing Fields deserve facilities which are safe, accessible and fit for purpose. We will continue pressing for action until that is delivered.”

Funding response offers no practical solution

Changing facilities at the local Broughshane Community Centre

UUP North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has also raised the matter with DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.

The Minister pointed to forthcoming grassroots football funding and the Olympic Legacy Fund, which can provide capital support to community clubs.

However, Raceview Football Club cannot access the funding referenced by the Minister. Councillors say this means the response has provided no practical route to resolving the conditions confronting the club and other users of the facilities.

Councillor Barr said:

“Jon Burrows was right to raise this with the Minister, but unfortunately the response did nothing to solve Raceview’s problem.

“A funding scheme is no use to a club which cannot apply for it. Pointing to pots of money which are inaccessible to those affected might provide an answer to an Assembly question, but it does not provide a solution.

“Raceview and the other users of these facilities need practical action, not another generic funding announcement.”

TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston said the funding identified by the Minister did not address the circumstances facing the club.

“The Minister’s response to Jon’s question rather misses the point. There is little value in directing attention towards funding which the club affected cannot access.

“Alan and Chrissy have been working with those on the ground to get this issue addressed. What they now need from the Department and Council is a practical route towards a solution, rather than being pointed towards funding which does not meet the circumstances.”

Questions over community centre timetable

The condition of the changing rooms has taken on greater urgency amid concerns from TUV councillors about possible slippage in the timetable for the new Broughshane Community Centre.

Any delay could leave clubs dependent on the existing facilities for longer, increasing pressure on the council to explain how users will be accommodated safely and adequately in the meantime.

Councillor Jamieson called for transparency over the project’s timetable and any factors that could delay its delivery.

“The new Community Centre is hugely important for Broughshane, but any delay will put even greater pressure on existing facilities.

“If the timetable slips, clubs could be left relying on these inadequate changing rooms for even longer.

“The Council needs to be open with the community about the timetable, whether there has been any slippage and what is being done to prevent further delays.

“Broughshane has waited long enough. What the community needs now is delivery.”

The immediate challenge for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is now clear: establish what work will be undertaken to address the reported safety, hygiene and accessibility concerns; set out when it will happen; and explain how clubs will be supported until facilities that are safe and fit for purpose are delivered.