Hanover Football Club in Portadown has seen its fixture list thrown into ‘disarray’ amid uncertainty following the discovery of Legionella at the club’s local community centre.
The bacteria was discovered at Brownstown Community Centre on August 18 and since then, the shower facilities have remained closed for use by sports teams, leading to significant ongoing disruption.
The issue was raised by DUP councillor Kyle Moutray at a recent meeting of ABC Council, who said that the club have faced “considerable challenges” as a result.
He explained: “This disruption and uncertainty has sent their fixture list into disarray. This is now the second time this has occurred on site since December of 2022.”
Councillor Moutray then requested that Council provide an update on the progress towards a temporary or permanent solution that would allow the club to plan their activities in the weeks ahead and communicate the issue with representatives from the Mid-Ulster League.
He continued: “This is a football club in my DEA that is deeply rooted in their community and has been for over 50 years. A club with a thriving Youth Academy and a newly established Ladies’ team. They deserve assurances that this matter is being taken seriously and that a solution is being explored to end this nine-week disruption.”
The Lord Mayor of ABC Council, Alderman Margaret Tinsley then asked councillor Moutray if he was content to have an officer contact him regarding the issue directly.
Councillor Moutray replied: “I thought this was appropriate to raise this in a public forum given that this has been quite a considerably long disruption”, adding that he was content with the response but would like a meeting brought forward with the club to provide them with assurances in the weeks ahead.
Following the meeting, a spokesperson for ABC Council advised: “The temporary closure of some facilities at Brownlow Community Centre is essential to protect the health and safety of users. Council is currently working closely with a specialist contractor to resolve this matter promptly.”
