MUGA pitch reopens following remedial works

A POPULAR recreational facility which has been out of use for two years has reopened.

Derry City and Strabane District Council was forced to close the Multi-Games Use Area (MUGA) at Patrician Villas in the Head of the Town area in September 2023 due to the condition of the pitch.

Long-awaited work to replace the damaged surface has been completed alongside the installation of an overhead netting to prevent balls from entering adjacent residential properties.

The facility had been greatly missed by the local community during the extended closure and its reopening has been warmly welcomed locally.

Confirming the reopening, Fountain Street Community Development Association (FSCDA) said: "We are delighted to announce that the MUGA at Patrician Villas will reopen for usage today (Monday, October 20) following a two year closure which has seen significant upgrades to the facility including a new surface and overhead catch netting.

"Local sports clubs will be availing of use of the facility in the evenings with some community hours also scheduled at night time.

"This is a pilot scheme and will be constantly reviewed.

"Any club not using their allocated slot should pass on this information so that others can avail of the time slot."

The group added: "The facility is a free to use and no costs should be paid for such apart from the tokens required for the floodlights.

"The local community can avail of the usage of such from 9am to 6pm each day Monday to Sunday apart from a few hours on a Saturday morning (10am to 12noon) which a local club has made a booking for.

"Please respect the facility and ensure that all litter is disposed off in the litter bins provided."

Strabane Sinn Féin councillor, Brian Harte, who had lobbied for the remedial works also welcomed the reopening.

"The MUGA pitch was closed for almost two years on health and safety grounds," he said.

"The facility has been badly missed by the local community and its many user groups.

"During this time, and along with Fountain Street Community Association, I was continually pressed council to ensure the remedial and upgrade works would be completed as quickly as possible .

"I am delighted that the facility, with its new improved surface and with the addition of an overhead ball catching net, is once again open for use.

"It will no doubt be used to its full potential by the local community and user groups alike."