North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew has raised concerns at Stormont over the continued closure of Knockan Road Play Park in Broughshane, four weeks after it sustained damage from flooding during Storm Chandra.

The park was affected when the River Braid burst its banks on Tuesday, January 27, amid heavy rainfall from the storm, leading Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to close the facility temporarily for repairs.

Mr Frew stated he had been contacted by constituents about the ongoing closure of the busy play park, which has no confirmed reopening date despite the damage occurring nearly a month ago.

In a letter to the council, Mr Frew noted their advice that new layers of safety bark are required, with replacement materials ordered and expected within the next week.

Mr Frew questioned the repeated use of bark as a safety surface due to its vulnerability to storm damage, suggesting more durable alternatives such as rubber padding and tiling to ensure year-round availability.

The council confirmed that the arrival of replacement safety bark is necessary before the park can safely reopen.