The 3G pitch at a leisure centre in L'Derry is to remain closed while work is undertaken to address issues around the perimeter fence.

The pitch at Brooke Park Leisure Centre was closed following concerns about health and safety, and the council will now initiate a tender process to procure the services of a company tasked with installing a net solution which will prevent balls from going over the fence.

Director of Health and Communities with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Karen McFarland, said: "Following concerns raised to Council a full health and safety investigation has been carried out and we have now identified a possible net solution to address the issue. Over the coming months Council will begin a tender process to initiate works with a view to resolving the issue by the autumn.

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"As Council is bound by legislative restrictions around tendering and planning, this will take some time, and Officers have been exploring options which would allow for the pitch to remain open during this time. At the moment however, in adherence with health and safety guidelines, unfortunately the closure of the facility is unavoidable until an appropriate interim solution is found.

"Council will continue to offer alternative arrangements for those affected by the closure. Officers are already working directly with user groups to resolve any further issues around sourcing alternative facilities while the pitch is closed and will keep all associated groups updated on the progress of works as they move through the various mandatory phases of the process."

(CD)