Controversial Killeaton allotment plan bites the dust

LISBURN Council looks set to do an about turn at their monthly meeting by agreeing to scrap controversial plans for 39 allotments at Killeaton Playing Fields.

Residents who formed the ‘Killeaton Field Save Open Spaces’ group to oppose the idea were celebrating this week after the Corporate Services committee agreed to recommend shelving the scheme.

Earlier this year the council had revealed plans to turn part of the playing fields into allotments.

Residents responded by handing over a petition with 600 names opposing to the plans and claiming they had never consulted about the plans. They always stressed they were not opposed to new allotments, simply to the site chosen,

They believed it would take away one of the few remaining green spaces in the area and insisted it made no economic sense.

Campaigner Chris Howie said he was delighted the committee’s recommendation this week but feared the council could try to use the land for other purposes later on.

Mr Howie said: “The council listened to the people’s voice and I very much welcome this. There were 600 people who were against this and would have been directly affected if this had gone ahead.

“The council should be protecting land like this and not changing it. I welcome the direction that the council are going and hope that this area is now protected and safe.”

Councillor Margaret Tolerton said the reason for the re-think was due in part to private developers opening allotments on other sites including Bog Road and at White Moutnain

“We have 100 people who are currently looking for allotments in the area,” she said. “There are plans for a third private allotment and the council are also looking at extending their own site, all of which is increasing the number of allotments.

“The council still owns the land at Killeaton and has no plans to sell it or change it. It will remain as an open green area.

“The council bought this land, which was once owned by Robbie Cahoon, in 1966. It is still council land which we intend to hold onto.

“I am glad this has been settled.”

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