Progress on the development of two new 3G pitches in Carryduff and Lisburn has been praised as contractors are due to be appointed.
Plans had been approved for the creation of the new pitches at the Lough Moss Leisure Centre, Carryduff, and Laurelhill Sports Zone, Lisburn, however work had not got underway despite support from local communities for the projects.
Now, following a meeting of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Full Council, a contractor for the developments will be approved and work will be able to start in the near future.
Read more: Clubs celebrate the approval of new 3G pitch in Carryduff
Councillors agreed to appoint the contractors following a motion by SDLP group leader and Castlereagh South councillor John Callen.
He said: "“I am delighted that my proposal to progress these 3G Pitches has been ratified at the full council meeting tonight.
"We will now be appointing contractors so that this work can get underway.
"People right across this council area know that local communities have been crying out for more high-quality pitches and this project will go some way to meeting that demand.
“These pitches in Carryduff and Lisburn will cater for local schools, sports teams and residents and give them greater opportunities to take part in sport locally without having to travel to other venues.
"These plans also include improved facilities at these sites, including extra car parking and floodlighting which will make it easier for people to enjoy the new pitches."
The councillor also said that local groups and clubs should not be stopped from using facilities already in place at the sports centres and has asked that measures are put in place to allow other pitches to be used.
He continued: “I have stressed the importance of accommodating the popular Junior Park Run at Lough Moss while this work is ongoing, we must do everything we can to ensure that other local groups are not hindered by construction. I also requested that the juvenile grass GAA pitch at Lough Moss be retained so that our young people can continue to enjoy a wide variety of sports across our council area.”
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