Projects cleans up ... literally

A community group is working to improve the quality of life and amenities in Birkenshaw Park and the surrounding area.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jun 2016, 16:43 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:10 BST

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Thorniewood councillor Bob Burrows (right) joins members of the Birkenshaw Development Project as they filled three trucks with rubbish to clear the ground for a wild growing area.Thorniewood councillor Bob Burrows (right) joins members of the Birkenshaw Development Project as they filled three trucks with rubbish to clear the ground for a wild growing area.
Thorniewood councillor Bob Burrows (right) joins members of the Birkenshaw Development Project as they filled three trucks with rubbish to clear the ground for a wild growing area.

Last year a survey of households and schools in the area was carried out and received 147 responses with ideas for improving the park.

In October a public meeting was held in Birkenshaw Sports Barn to form a steering group to help realise local priorities.

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This led to the formation of the Birkenshaw Development Project which drafted an ambitious range of plans to cover the next two to five years.

Key targets for improvement include the sports pitches, sports barn, including the outside play area, and developing a wild growing area.

Project members have already begun preparing the ground for the wild growing area.

Thorniewood councillor Bob Burrows was instrumental in getting the Project off the ground.

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He said: “As a first step the group organised a community litter pick which was very well attended by local people and through their efforts, three trucks were filled with rubbish from the site.

“It was a great day, not just because of the effort, which was superb, but the way the entire community came together to clean up the area and the Project should be congratulated for their efforts so far.

“The voluntary group are very ambitious and keen to see major improvements taking place in the Birkenshaw Park.

“Everyone knows it will take time, the Project will need to seek external funding, however, after working with them, I am sure they will make this happen.”

For more details visit the Project’s facebook

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Viewpark Gala Day committee has been awarded a grant of £9,113 from the Big Lottery Fund towards the cost of this year’s event which takes place on Saturday.

The parade will leave Smurfit at 11am making its way to the park for the crowning of the gala queen, John Paul II Primary pupil Louisa Gilluley.

From 12.15-4pm there will a wide array of activities including tombola, inflatables, rides, sports, live music, keep fit, dancing displays and a football tournament with a difference where all the players will be tied together.

The cast of River City will also be present on the day including Paul Corrigan, who is originally from Viewpark.