MARTIN DERBY

MARTIN DERBY

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland

Everyone should have access to green space, especially in densely populated areas.

Martin has lived in Andersonstown, Belfast, since 1954. He fondly remembers moving to this ‘green’ part of the city, and recalls how the new residents loved their new found freedom, playing on Glassmullin Green, the ‘tractor field’ and on Smyth’s farm, known locally as the ‘horsey field’.

Martin has witnessed many changes to this community. People were rehoused as a result of the Troubles, and Glassmullin Green was lost to the community, when it became ‘Silver City’, a British army fort. When the army left, the Green was restored following a campaign by local people.

Now a new threat has emerged. De La Salle College plans to install an artificial training facility on this community space. Glassmullin Green will once again be fenced off and lost to the community.

Martin believes that everyone should have access to green space, especially in densely populated areas. He and his community will not stand idly by and let this land-grab happen.

“This development sends out the message that people in urban areas don’t deserve access to greenspace. Our community loves Glassmullin, values and needs the space it offers, and future generations depend on us to fight to protect it for all”
MARTIN DERBY

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