Council parks and cemeteries affected by Storm Ellen

Derry City and Strabane District Council has advised that a number of its facilities have been affected by the adverse weather conditions brought by Storm Ellen.

All Council owned cemeteries within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area will be closed to the public today, Thursday 20 August. The cemeteries will only be open to facilitate funerals.

Brooke Park will remain closed for a period this morning to allow for essential tree work, while the Waterside and citywide parks, and play areas will also be delayed in reopening to allow for  tree inspections in outlying areas.

Council’s Parks teams will continue to monitor the weather throughout the day and review all facilities. Council teams are out and about today assessing a number of sites and responding to reports of tree damage at some of our properties including St Columb’s Park.

The Council reiterated its message to the public to take note of the weather advisory information from the Met Office and to be safe, and to refrain from using public parks, play areas during this period of adverse weather if possible.

Council officials will continue to monitor the situation with their multi-agency partners throughout the duration of the alert assessing the situation. Council is also engaging with community organisations in relation to initiating their community resilience plans where necessary.

Members of the public seeking updated information and emergency contact details are urged to use the NI Direct website www.nidirect.gov.uk

Road users are being advised to regularly check the Traffic Watch NI in relation to road closures and not to make any unnecessary journeys. - www.trafficwatchni.com

Any changes to services will be posted on the Council’s website, Facebook and Twitter platforms.