Write a commentThe group Newry 2020 who have long campaigned for a city park at the Albert Basin in Newry have issued a reply to a statement issued by the Sinn Fein grouping on Newry, Mourne and Down Council in which they said that the provision of a city park is one of the key issues for the party.
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See Sinn Fein see Park for Newry as \"Key Issue\"
Commenting on the article Newry 2020 Chairman Brian Cleland said "We welcome the statement from Sinn Fein this week that "the delivery of a city park for Newry" is "a key issue" for the party. We are also grateful for the support shown from Sinn Fein reps over the course of the campaign.
"On the other hand, we are concerned that the statement does not mention either the Albert Basin or the upcoming council motion.
"To be clear, there is simply no alternative to the Albert Basin for a municipal park in Newry."
The group who have been campaigning for a park for several years feel that no other site offers what the Albert Basin Site does and listed what they saw as the advantages of the site for Newry's new public park (listed below).
15 acres of undeveloped land
A central location easily accessible to much of the local population
A flat site accessible to mothers with prams and users of all abilities
An asset already in full public ownership
A place that was given to the people of Newry in 1986
A location promised by the council as a "recreation and amenity area"
A key heritage site with the chance to raise awareness of local history
A park surrounded by water and the potential for water-based activities
Concluding the 2020 Chairman asked the public to keep up the pressure on local councillors and added "The Albert Basin is Newry's last chance for a proper city park. We cannot afford to lose it."
