PEOPLE power has persuaded councillors to consider providing a major new games area in Greyabbey.Over 100 people turned up to a recent public meeting in the village called by Ards and North Down Council to seek comments on plans for a new village plan.As part of the plan, and as part of a major council scheme to resurface tennis courts across the borough, it was proposed to resurface Greyabbey’s tennis court, which has fallen into disrepair.However, the overall desire of the people who attended the meeting was for a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on the site of the tennis courts which would allow other sports to be played at the site.The issue was raised at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday when alderman Robert Adair proposed officers explore the possibility of a MUGA being developed instead of the tennis courts being resurfaced.“The tennis courts have served the community well but they have come to the end of their life and need revamped,” said Mr Adair.“Many people in Greyabbey were asking why, if the tennis courts need refurbished, could they not be refurbished as a MUGA, which would enable all sports to be played on the site.”Mr Adair said Greyabbey is a centre of sporting excellence in the Ards peninsula and the desire from residents for a MUGA reflects the enormous interest in sport.“The service users of the tennis courts are happy with this proposal as are the sports clubs and the community groups,” said the councillor.“People want to see investment in that area and while the tennis work would be welcome it will only cater for one sport. We have a chance to do it right and ensure that all the sporting needs are met for the people of Greyabbey,” he said.Mr Adair was supported by all the other Ards peninsula councillors – Nigel Edmund, Pete Wray, Joe O’Boyle, Lorna McAlpine and Davy Kerr.
