Swann says sports facilities are a core council service as he backs local clubs

Following on-going engagements with sports clubs across South Antrim, Robin Swann MP has challenged Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to do more for the grassroots sporting organisations who each play such an important role in their local community.

Mr Swann recently hosted sports clubs at a meeting in Crumlin where he heard firsthand about the challenges facing players and volunteers.

The South Antrim MP has stressed that the provision of high-quality affordable sport and leisure facilities is a core function of the council and should remain a top priority. While the council suggests many issues raised by local clubs and organisations to Mr Swann have been resolved, he is not yet convinced that enough has been done to support these vital groups.

Speaking on the importance of the local sporting, Mr Robin Swann said:

"I want to thank the clubs and their members for the time they have taken to speak and meet with me and my team. Sport plays a vital role in our local communities across South Antrim and the work these clubs do is incredibly important for our young people, for health and wellbeing, and for tackling social isolation.

"I have taken the specific issues raised directly to the council officers, but I am not yet satisfied with the responses we have received. I do not believe that the clubs I have spoken to are mistaken and I want to be sure that the council has fully delivered on their responsibilities to them. These facilities need to work effectively for the clubs and the ratepayers who use them every single week.

"I intend to keep this conversation going and I will continue to work alongside our local clubs to ensure we are moving in the right direction. The sports and leisure facilities in South Antrim must meet the needs of those who actually use them."

The South Antrim MP committed to continue lobbying the Council, and to provide regular updates to the clubs as his campaign for better facilities continues.