Campaigners trying to save a Bangor park threatened with demolition have lashed out at city authorities, stating: “The lack of respect afforded to the democratic process here is truly appalling.”

Their words came at the start of a crunch week, with property developers behind the move holding a public meeting about their plans on Tuesday evening, and the seaside Co Down city’s council to vote on whether or not to pave over the park on Wednesday night.

Documents seen by the News Letter show council staff think seafront Marine Gardens should get the chop to make way for a car park, though the final decision lies with politicians.

The situation has outraged campaigners from the group Save Marine Gardens, who argue the position adopted by officials – which followed a behind-closed-doors meeting between the developers and councillors last week – smacks of the park’s demolition coming to the people of Bangor as a fait accompli.

placeholder image — Around 100 people last week protested outside a behind-closed-doors meeting of politicians and property developers held in Bangor City Hall, at which scrapping a seafront park to make way for a car park was discussed.

Said a spokesperson: “The lack of respect afforded to the democratic process here is truly appalling. The main stakeholders, the public, are being patronised with a series of meaningless consultations long after decisions have seemingly been made by the developer and council officials.”

Campaigners now feel authorities in Bangor are “going through the motions of listening” only to ignore the views of residents.

The threat to Marine Gardens comes as the developers want to alter their in-construction £60m overhaul of the city’s seafront to add a large play area for children.

The conglomerate’s wider revamp has already demolished a 200-space free car park, but the firm now says a pay-and-display facility less than half that size is vital to making the play area work – and nearby Marine Gardens is the only possible location.

The developers have warned that if there’s any delay in building the facility, an eight-figure sum of investment would be at risk and the whole £60m overhaul could be scuttled.

Campaigners argue there’s absolutely no need for a new car park, however, pointing out that original plans for the scheme were to see massive pedestrianised spaces built around the seafront.

“A new play park isn’t needed either,” Nicola Thompson from the group told the News Letter. “We have Pickie Fun Park [nearby] which only requires a little updating.

"The developers need a return on their investment, but surely there has to be a way of providing this without destroying trees and a mature green space? Everyone in Bangor wants the development finished, but why have we not been properly consulted? If anything, we need something indoors, under cover on the waterfront that will draw visitors in wet weather.

“We need the developers to finish what has been approved, go back to [their originally planned smaller play area] if necessary. Although if it saves money, most people would probably prefer to see no new play park and the whole area simply grassed over so teenagers have more space to kick a ball or hang out.”

Council officials have stated the play area and car park would be built by March next year, arguing the facilities “will greatly enhance the offering in Bangor and the wider area”.