Derry City Council has been blasted over lack of a children’s play park in the Strathfoyle area of the city.
In a letter to the council, a local woman accuses the local authority of “neglecting” youngsters in the area.
The letter, obtained by Derry Daily, reads:
“I wish to express my concerns regarding the lack of a public play park in the Strathfoyle area.
“I am writing to explain to Derry City Council of how horrified and disappointed that there are still no play park facilities in the Strathfoyle area.
“As a resident of Strathfoyle for over 30 years, a mother of three, grandmother a registered childminder for the past seven years, I feel that you are failing to meet the needs of the children of Strathfoyle.
“I am being constantly told that Derry City Council and the Strathfoyle Community Association are working on the subject but to no avail.
“Luckily, for the children I childmind I own a car and regrettably have to spend my time traveling to other areas for these play facilities.
“For the other families who don’t have that luxury, I feel that their children are being deprived of essential facilities that are needed to provide outdoor play.
“It is a disgrace that there are not play facilities in the Strathfoyle area that are open to all the children on a daily basis.
“To make this situation even more upsetting, I am constantly reading in the local press that monies are being provided to upgrade already existing play parks in other areas of Derry.”
The letter concludes: “I am pleading with you to stop neglecting the children of Strathfoyle and review this situation immediately.”
In response, a spokesperson Derry City Council has told Derry Daily that Strathfoyle is one of a number of areas in the Council area identified for play park facility development.
The spokesperson added: “Plans for this are subject to pending funding and planning applications and are part of ongoing discussions with the relevant statutory agencies and community groups.
“The Council remains committed to providing play park facilities for children across the City Council area and appreciates feedback and comments from the public on these matters.”
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