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Two political parties are calling for an extension on the current opening hours of Belfast's outdoor parks.

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown and SDLP Councillor Donal Lyons are pushing back on Belfast City Council's decision to close all parks at sunset during the winter months. Currently, all parks around Belfast close their gates at 4:30pm with the exception of East Belfast's Victoria Park and Orangefield Park, which are open 24/7.

Alliance's Coun McDonough Brown said: "Simply put, Belfast City Council must consider options for lighting city parks allowing them to keep them open for longer during winter months."

“It’s unacceptable for those who want to use our parks past 4:30pm to be met with closed signs and blocked entry, especially those who are unable to access the parks earlier in the day due to their own commitments."

“Yes there may be practical challenges to overcome, but I believe the time is right to explore whether we should invest in extra opening hours for our much loved spaces – especially as two parks in East Belfast already enjoy extended opening, proving that it can be done."

SDLP Councillor Lyons added to the argument for an extension to the opening hours, saying: "Closing our parks at 4:30pm during the winter months means that many people can't use them to walk their dogs, go for a run or cycle home."

"Lighting up parks at night will also have the added benefit of dissuading anti-social behaviour that is often assisted by the cover of darkness."

When asked for comment, Belfast City Council said: "Any proposals brought forward by councillors would have to follow our usual procedure being agreed first by the relevant committee and then ratified by council. However, a number of issues would also have to be considered as part of the proposal, including funding, site layouts and local community agreement.”

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