FIFA-standard Lisburn sports facility is being ‘plagued by boy racers’

“The residents nearby are just getting plagued with it.”

A new FIFA-standard Lisburn sports facility is being “plagued by boy racers” with a council set to look at night time closures.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council recently invested £1.7m in the new Laurelhill Sports Zone with access provided to Laurelhill Community College and Killowen Primary School.

However, a local councillor has raised concerns of the adjoining car park being used for anti-social behaviour under the cover of darkness.

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At this week’s communities and wellbeing committee, Killultagh DUP Alderman James Tinsley said:”At Laurelhill Sports Zone, there seems to be some issue around the evening time with people not playing sport, but causing a lot of hassle especially to local neighbours.

“Is there anything being done about this anti-social behaviour?”

A council officer responded: “We are aware of some anti-social behaviour occurring at night.

“There is a complex issue of access and we are working with two local schools and the Education Authority to find a solution.

“I will provide a timescale as soon as I know.”

The council and school shared Laurelhill Sports Zone went through an extensive public consultation before planning was approved in late 2022.

The major development opened in mid 2025, next to Laurelhill Community College, which brought about a FIFA standard world class 3G sporting facility with soccer and training pitches including floodlighting and spectator areas.

The sports zone widely used by both two local schools is also available for bookings from local clubs and the community.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service outside chambers, Alderman Tinsley added:”The council has recently invested in new pitches with a car park at Laurelhill.

“During the day people will use the pitches for their sports.

“But what is happening is the area is being left open at night time and then all the little boy racers will turn up when it is dark making a pile of noise.

“The residents nearby are just getting plagued with it.

“So, we need to look at when the schools are closed and no one is using the pitches if we can close the area off.

“I welcome the joint up approach with the council, schools and police on what can be done.”

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