A lack of lighting in Lurgan Park – particularly in winter months – is proving to be a hindrance to the local community.
It was a issue raised by Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery over a year ago and he says the lack of progress on the matter is “disappointing and unacceptable”.
“Lurgan Park is Northern Ireland’s largest urban park and a huge asset to the town,” said Councillor Lavery.
“However, it is forced to close early during winter months which reduces the amount of time members of the public can enjoy the natural, open space.
“In January 2022, I brought a motion seeking to secure a lighting scheme for the park to ensure the park can open for longer and feel safer in darker evenings. Runners, cyclists, dog-walkers and so many others would stand to benefit from such a change.
“Unfortunately, this motion was heavily amended and watered down by other parties, kicking the proposal into the long grass.
“At the time, I expressed concern that this would result in a delay. It is hugely disappointing that in the intervening 14 months, little progress has been made beyond some initial scoping work.
“Alliance is fully committed to seeing improvements for facilities in Lurgan Park, including an environmentally sensitive lighting scheme and improved toilet provision. We will ensure this is a priority in the next Council mandate.”
