Councillor Devlin raised the issue of broken/vandalised equipment in the Sallynoggin Playground. Adding to this problem is the regular presence of people hanging around at night who are able to access the playground when its meant to be locked.
Cllr. Devlin asked the Manager to "install a light in the Sallynoggin Children's Playground and also a sign detailing playground's opening hours and finally, to give a commitment on when the broken items will be fully repaired/replaced within same?”
The Council's reply was as follows;
A contractor has been engaged to carry out all necessary repairs to the play equipment.
Street lighting has been provided along the footpath beside Sallynoggin Children’s Playground to facilitate pedestrians using this route in the evenings and to reduce anti-social activity in the locality. However the installation of lighting within the playground is not recommended as this could increase anti-social activity by encouraging persons to enter the playground during the hours of darkness.
The playground is closed at night and arrangements are in place with the local Football Club, who have staff on site each day, to lock and unlock the gate. However as daylight hours fluctuate and as these locking/unlocking arrangements are subject to occasional review we are reluctant to erect a permanent sign showing opening hours.
Cllr. Devlin was not
satisfied with the Managers
reply to the improved
lighting aspect of this
question so he intends to
raise it once again at the
next Area Committee meeting as a motion for debate.