£84,000 revampat Hoy's Meadow

The funding, from the Department of Justice, will be used for resurfacing the car park, additional lighting, picnic benches, new fencing around the site, signage and the removal of graffiti.

This investment comes after a ‘Designing Out Crime’ report produced by ABC Council which looked at the overall environment of Hoy’s Meadow, recommending how the area could be made safer and more welcoming for the community.

In recent times, the site, which is close to the River Bann, had been blighted by antisocial behaviour, drinking and drug-taking.

A council spokesperson said a contractor has been appointed and is due to start on site in early March.

DUP councillor Darryn Causby and Jonny Buckley have welcomed the funding.

Councillor Causby said, “Hoy’s Meadow is a real hidden gem in Portadown with the potential to be an excellent facility for the community to use. However in recent times this area has been plagued by anti-social behaviour and on street drinking, whilst also being neglected by the council.

“This paper some time ago highlighted these issues and I and my colleagues set out to try generate some investment in the area. So we welcome this investment and thank the council for finally taking this issue seriously and ensuring money was found to enhance the area.”