Allotment plans would ‘destroy characterof beauty spot’

The residents who have formed the Killeaton Field, Save Open Space group were speaking as they handed over a petition with 600 names opposing s Lisburn Council proposal to turn part of the amenity into 39 allotments. They also made a presentation to the Corporate Services Committee on Tuesday night opposing to the plans.

Spokesman of the group Chris Howie said they were never consulted about the plans and stressed they were not opposed to new allotments, just to the site.

“The residents were shocked when we first heard about these proposals and that quickly turned to anger that Lisburn Council had planned it behind our backs without even consulting anyone,” Mr Howie said.

“We went around the doors here to find out what people really felt about it and we quickly got the message that the vast majority of people are strongly opposed to putting allotments in this field.”

He said that he welcomed the Corporate Services Committee giving them the opportunity to make a presentation and hoped they would take their views into consideration and reverse the plan.

A spokesperson said: “This is the only green open space on the main thoroughfare between the cities of Belfast and Lisburn and it’s difficult to believe that Lisburn Council would take such an asset and destroy it by turning it into something that resembles a shanty town.

“The fields are used by locals and visitors all year round for walking, all varieties of sports, kite flying, model plane flying, and by families, and church and community organisations. It’s a healthy and safe environment for children to play in.”

Mr Howie said it was wrong for the council to fence a large section off for the private use of 39 individuals, some of whom may not even be Lisburn ratepayers.

“It’s also a waste of ratepayers’ money because they are also putting in a car park and it’ll cost thousands of pounds to build - that’s money the council will never recoup.

“So all the ratepayers and other groups which are facing funding cuts should be asking questions about the lack of economic sense in this plan,” he said.