The council has been accused of failing to invest in the site for decades
A leisure centre in North Belfast is plagued by fly-tipping and falling into disrepair, local residents have said.
Loughside Recreation Centre on the Shore Road has been closed since the pandemic, and has attracted controversy over its lack of use by politicians, community group members, and even the father of the former boxer Carl Frampton.
The council has been accused of failing to invest in the site for decades, in order to make it “unviable” and shut it down permanently. The centre’s car park has become an eyesore in the area, and is regularly used for fly tipping and drug use.
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Local businessman Paul Carlin shared images of fly tipping at Loughside this week. Speaking to Belfast Live, he said it is a “constant issue” in the area.
Paul said: “The park is well used by lots of different people from dog walkers to runners and plenty of football teams. It upsets me to see a regular amount of fly tipping going on.
“I see the Council do send in people to clear it but that frustrates me too as it must be costing the city a fortune to have to deal with it.
“I think the best solution would be to install cameras to see who is doing it and to act as a deterrent. Our green spaces are so important for our community and we need to look after them properly.”
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said: “We’re aware of the recent fly tipping at Loughside Recreation Centre and can confirm our cleansing staff have now cleared the waste.
“Fly-tipping is illegal, and every report we receive is investigated. Where there is enough evidence, we will take enforcement action against those responsible.
“Anyone caught illegally dumping waste or leaving excess rubbish on our streets may face a fixed penalty notice of £80 or £400, depending on the scale of the offence.
“We would encourage residents to use our recycling centres and the free bulky waste collection service. Any instances of fly tipping can be reported to us directly so we can take prompt action. Reports can be made online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling 028 9037 3006.”
North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett is calling for the centre to be fully reopened. He said: “The decision to not reopen Loughside would not have been allowed in any other part of the city and is another example of how certain parties treat the unionist community of Belfast. We will continue to work to secure this redevelopment without delay.”
In recent years, Loughside has been “partially reopened” with pitch bookings and changing facilities available.
Currently, local football club Loughside FC use two grass pitches at the site, as well as changing and toilet facilities. Crusaders FC have installed their own 3G pitch, and both clubs use the car park at Loughside.
The Council has previously stated that they are delivering a ten-year £105 million Leisure Transformation Programme which will see seven new and upgraded leisure centres built.
Loughside Recreation Centre is not included in these plans, however a Council spokesperson said: “Work is also underway to develop future options for the other leisure facilities not included in the current transformation programme, including Loughside.
“Any decisions on the future of these centres will be taken by Elected Members as part of this review, following consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.”
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