MLA welcomes £130,000 funding for new upgraded play park in Martinstown

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has welcomed funding of £130,000 from the Department of Communities that will allow Martinstown play area to be upgraded.

The local play park was closed in early 2020 after what was described by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEABC) as an ‘underlying draining issue’. It is understood that the ground was contaminated by sewage.

However after two years of frustration in the local community, MEABC said it was delighted to confirm funding received will “provide refurbishment of the play park to include accessible equipment for children with disabilities.”

Additional funding was also secured for the upgrade of the wildlife area and pond adjacent to the play area to make it safe and accessible for children.

Commenting on the much-anticipated Martinstown play park upgrade, Mr. McGuigan said:

"This is very welcome news. Parents and children of Martinstown deserve a first class play facility and I hope and expect that to be the case with this upgrade. This has been a long campaign since the play area was first closed in 2019.

"I also welcome that the upgrade will include accessible equipment for children with disabilities. It is also good news that additional funding has been has also been secured to upgrade the wildlife and pond area adjacent to the play area.

"I look forward to the day this work is completed and can be enjoyed by the children of Martinstown.”

MEABC confirmed that a consultation will now be carried out with the local community and works will commence later this year, to allow for full spend of funding by 31 March 2023.