“Portaferry Sports Centre Temporarily Closed Due to Staff Shortage”

The temporary closure of the Portaferry Sports Centre in County Down has left residents saddened and disappointed, as the facility shut its doors due to a shortage of staff. The Ards and North Down Borough Council announced the closure, citing ongoing recruitment challenges that have left them unable to fully staff the center.

Madeline Dynes, who works at a nearby community center, expressed her disappointment, calling it an “awful shame” for the town. She highlighted that the closure was just the latest in a series of issues plaguing the sports center, including health and safety concerns such as a faulty floor that led to the closure of half the facility.

Despite the closure, the council reassured members that they can use the facilities at other nearby leisure centers for free. However, Dynes pointed out that the alternative options in Newtownards and Comber are quite a distance away, making it difficult for those without access to transportation.

The council has not provided a specific reopening date for the sports center but stated that they are actively exploring options to ensure a safe reopening with a full staff complement. In the meantime, residents of Portaferry are left without a vital community resource for sports and recreation.

The closure of the Portaferry Sports Centre serves as a reminder of the importance of adequate staffing and maintenance of public facilities to ensure the well-being and enjoyment of local communities. Residents are hopeful that a solution can be found soon to reopen the center and resume normal operations.