By Rory McKee
FRUSTRATION in local sporting circles is growing as the wait to replace playing surfaces at two key facilities in Bangor drags on.
It was anticipated that new surfaces for tennis at Ward Park and hockey at Bangor Aurora would be installed during the summer, but work has been delayed as a result of issues relating to the contractor and supplier. It is understood that the material remains in Dublin and has yet to arrive in north Down.
With no firm timeline in sight for the completion of either project, it has left those relying on the facilities in limbo.
Concerns have been voiced around the impact of the delayed work on sports clubs and individuals alike.
A spokesman for Bangor Hockey Club, whose teams remain unable to train or play at their Aurora base, described the situation as a ‘logistical nightmare’.
Speaking to the Spectator in October, the club said they were having to make use of several alternative venues for training and matches while the Aurora pitch remains out of action.
“The only saving grace has been Bangor Grammar,” explained the spokesman.
“There’s other clubs who play there so it’s not as if we get preference there, but they have been working with us and if we didn’t have it we would be screwed.
“Our senior teams have also been forced to re-arrange fixtures and play on Friday nights. It has been a logistical nightmare and really needs to get sorted. The biggest thing it highlights is the lack of facilities in Bangor for the sport.”
The hockey club, one of the largest in Ulster with 12 senior teams in addition to a substantial youth section, said the debacle was made even worse by the fact it has continued into the winter months and there is just one floodlit venue for hockey in
Bangor, at the grammar school. Despite the ongoing challenges, the spokesman did praise Ards and North Down Council for their communication. “The club has been really pleased with the communication from the council, they’ve been great at keeping in touch with us every time there’s an update.” Also feeling let down are local tennis players.
Jonathan Irwin’s son, Sam, plays to international standard representing Ireland, but he, like many other talented junior players, has been unable to train with his coach at Ward Park because the surface at the floodlit court was removed before the arrival of its replacement.
Mr Irwin questioned why the local council has not offered alternative training venues within the borough, such as in Comber or Newtownards, to players like Sam in the meantime and added there was a ‘broader impact’ to the situation which is going unseen.
“Players like Sam can only train with the national squad at the moment and not at home with their own coach,” he said.
“The council has provided funding over the years so it’s not like they aren’t aware, but it seems like they are passing the buck.
“I also think there could be more leasing of facilities from schools, like is the case in England for example.”
A spokesperson for Ards and North Down Council said they recognised the impact of the delayed work on clubs and their members.
“The decision to remove the existing surfaces was made to ensure the site was ready for immediate installation once the new surfaces arrived,” they said.
“Unfortunately, there has been a delay due to circumstances beyond our control. We remain in regular communication with the contractor and are working towards a revised installation date in spring.
“Please be assured that the council is doing everything possible to resolve this quickly. We appreciate your patience and continued support.”
Local councillor Alistair Cathcart said he wants to see the matter resolved as a ‘matter of priority’.
The Bangor Central representative said: “The delays to the resurfacing at Ward Park and Bangor Aurora have been immensely frustrating and I feel for all the clubs and members of the public affected.
“It is the fault of the contractor and is of no cost to ratepayers, however I have been raising this for some time with the council to ensure that processes were got right and that all efforts are being taken to resolve this as soon as possible.”
Mr Cathcart added, “I know that a couple of options are being looked at to get the surfaces to Bangor and installed. I have asked that this matter be addressed as a priority and have been given that assurance. I will continue to pursue this until the surfaces are installed.”
