Clady residents delighted with planned improvement works

A lengthy campaign by residents of Beechland Park and Beechland Drive in Clady has culminated in proposals from Mid-Ulster District Council to enhance both developments within the village.

New access paths to the existing play park, the creation of a pocket park with new seating and picnic areas are being planned.

Beechland Park improvements will include the extension of car parking and upgrading of existing parking.

Wet areas which had been liable to flooding will be be upgraded with improved drainage and a new walking trail with seating and planters for community use will be provided.

Speaking to the County Derry Post, Sinn Féin Mid Ulster District Councillor Sean McPeake welcomed the news.

“Along with local residents, for many years now I have been seeking the completion of these much needed works,” the elected representative for Carntogher DEA said.

“The open space lands at Beechland Park is wet and very much liable to flooding. It currently has little amenity value.

“Improvements are also required to the existing Play park and open space lands at Beechland Drive. In 2017 Sinn Féin carried out a community survey within the area and a petition in excess of 80 residents seeking the upgrade was presented to council officers seeking improvements to the area.

“We have all worked relentlessly to seek the necessary funding, to have these works completed. Thankfully the necessary finance’s required (approx £100k) was secured recently via a competitive Mid-Ulster District Council and DAERA Covid/Small Settlements Scheme. With the resources now in place a Full Planning Application has now been submitted for completion of these works.”

Resident Annie-Mary O'Neill has welcomed the planned improvements.

“The provision of new drainage, landscaping and walkways will be of tremendous benefit to locals who have been seeking what was a wet, under-utilised area of open space transformed to something which will greatly benefit the entire local community,” said Ms O'Neill.

“We have campaigned for improvements such as this to happen for many years now and it’s great to see plans being progressed.”

Another resident, Lisa O'Neill said: “The improvements to both Beechland Park and Beechland Drive which when completed will greatly assist the health and well being of locals. By increasing the opportunities for people to come together through planting, walking or chatting will all have a positive impact on mental health and well being for people of all ages”

Jamie Kennedy, who lives in Beechland Park, added: “I particularly welcome the proposed upgrading of car parking areas where some locals had been forced to park on the waterlogged grass area which was a complete mess in wet weather. The addition of a pocket park to the existing play area will be much appreciated by parents with young children and the young children who will have increased opportunities to play within a safe environment.”