Lagan Valley Alliance Chair Stephen Martin today expressed his disappointment at the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure’s decision to cancel their backing of a proposed new basketball centre of excellence in Lisburn and tennis facility at Hillsborough.
Stephen Martin said “This is a bad day for local sport and I am disappointed at this news. This is a challenging economic time and government both at Stormont and at local level are trying to ensure that taxpayers money is essentially diverted to protect vital frontline services. The very sad consequence is the loss of exciting projects like these.
“I am disappointed that we have lost out on funding for a new basketball centre of excellence due to be based in Lisburn and also with a tennis facility in Hillsborough. These projects are investments in our future especially those of our city’s young people. Sport is the most important outlet for kids and ensures that they have a focus to help combat potentially negative influences. Money spent now ensuring kids are active and healthy will save us all in the long run.”
ENDS