NI Council to provide chess and draughts sets for people to play in town square

Elected members at an Ards North Down Council committee have agreed to provide the sets for people who want to play at Conway Square, Newtownards.

DUP Alderman Stephen McIlveen made the first move last month by telling the Arts and Heritage Manager that tables set up in the square with painted chess boards on top were not being used. The tables were set up two years ago.

The alderman made a request to consider facilitating a deposit and return system for the use of chess or draught sets for the tables.

A report for the council’s Place and Prosperity Committee states: “The Arts Service has considered the request and will run a pilot test during the period to October 2026 and April to October 2027.

"The game pieces have been purchased using a minimal allocation of existing budget from the Arts Service.

“Officers have purchased three chess sets and three draughts sets. These will be available for customer use on a deposit and return basis. The deposit will be £10.

“The service will be available during Arts Centre Office opening hours and promoted via the Arts and Tourism service’s normal digital channels and posters will be displayed in the Town Hall and Visitor Information Centre.

DUP Alderman Naomi Armstrong-Cotter said at the committee meeting: “The renovation of the square has been nothing short of transformative.

"Even on a rainy day we have people sitting on those benches, and just enjoying life and watching the people go by.

“The addition of the tables has meant that more people come out for their lunch and get their 15 minutes mental health break away from their job, eating their lunch.

"But the tables were designed to play games on, and I think it is just right we teach the skill of chess-playing to a new generation.”