Castlewellan could go green as workshop looks at issues

Castlewellan could go green as workshop looks at issues

18 July 2012

RESIDENTS in Castlewellan are to be asked for their views on how to make the town more sustainable.

A workshop is being held on Thursday, July 26, at The Lodge Culture and Business Centre in the town, getting underway at 7pm.

The event is designed to provide an opportunity for local people to discuss

areas where sustainability can make a real contribution to Castlewellan. The workshop will focus on key issues including local produce, jobs, alternative energy sources and fuel poverty.

Event organiser Nolene Trainor said the once busy market town is beginning to show the need for sustainability as once thriving fairs and markets slowly lose numbers, with some buildings vacant for long periods. But she believes Castlewellan is in a strong position to address these issues.

“The workshop will inform local people about what other similar communities have done to halt decline and create the conditions for regeneration, including new opportunities available to them and others to invest more time and money into the town, promoting local businesses and jobs,” said Nolene.

One of the main issues facing rural towns is that of fuel poverty. Recently, British Gas owner Centrica said energy costs will increase by 15 per cent next winter, adding £50 extra to the cost for an average home heating bill. Nolene said most local families rely on home heating oil which is notoriously unpredictable in its pricing and which has been showing a relentless upward trend.

She continued: “Many local families falling into this fuel poverty category will be able to see ways in which this issue can be tackled, leaving them less financially pressured.

“Fuel poverty and ways to tackle it will not be the only focus of the forthcoming workshop. The promotion of local food and jobs will also be covered, with local people asked for their ideas, examples and suggestions of changes that can be made in Castlewellan.”

Nolene explained next week’s workshop forms part of a wider conversation in the town looking at the long term future which is being led and hosted by the local community.

That initiative is called Castlewellan Futures and will culminate in a large workshop in the autumn which will engage all of the key local stakeholders.

More information about next Thursday’s workshop is available by contacting Nolene at ntrainor03@qub.ac.uk.