RESIDENTS in west Belfast have voiced concern after a green space at the centre of a development controversy was fenced off.
Glassmullin Green in the Andersonstown area of west Belfast has been at the centre of a high-profile residents' campaign to stop the open space being developed by De La Salle College.
The nearby school wants to build a £1.6 million facility, including a 3G pitch, car park and pavilion.
The development would take up around half of the 5.2 acre green space, which is approximately the size of two and a half football pitches.
There was a stand off in the area last year after local people refused to allow developers onto the site.
Residents say the green area, which has been fenced off, cannot be used for exercise or other activities during lockdown.
In a letter to The Irish News one resident said children have nowhere to play.
“Children look into the green through a fence while they're forced to play among the traffic,” said the resident.
“Some ratepayers unfortunate enough not to have gardens are locked out of their only community green space during lockdown.
The residents asked: “What is Belfast City Council going to do to resolve this?”
A spokeswoman for Belfast City Council said: “Fencing at the site has not been erected by council.”
