Call to ensure school site is used for community project

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig, Councillor Margaret Tolerton and MP Jeffrey Donaldson said the community must have the use of the site after the Education Minister gave the go ahead for the plan to close the school because of falling numbers.

The local representatives are set to meet with South Eastern Chief Executive, Stanton Sloan, to discuss what happens next to the site.

In a joint statement they said: "It will be a sad day when Derriaghy Primary closes as it has been central to the local community. However we believe that the site should be put to community use and used to develop the area, promoting cohesion and maintaining a strong sense of community spirit."

They continued: "The area in and around the site is an area in need. The land could be used for a community centre or playground. These are two of several options and ultimately it would be up to the local community themselves as it is their home.

"Mark Black from the local community association has been active in lobbying us on this issue and we are quite happy to take this up on behalf of the local community."

They added: "We will be meeting to discuss these proposals with the South Eastern Education and Library Chief Executive, Stanton Sloan, in the near future. We will be working to ensure that the community is at the centre of any proposals."