From the pages of the Down Recorder, June 29, 1994

From the pages of the Down Recorder, June 29, 1994

26 June 2024

CASTLEWELLAN – The leader of Down Council’s SDLP grouping has this week renewed his threat to “name names” if a £250,000 craft village plan for Castlewellan does not go ahead.

During a debate of Monday evening, Mr Eamonn O’Neill confirmed that a “vigorous rearguard action” is now being fought to make sure the plan comes to fruition.

Mr O’Neill made his comments while responding to the DUP’s Billy Alexander who said it was “sad” that the Castlewellan councillor had “threatened to name people”.

Political in-fighting among Down councillors is being highlighted as a key factor in the LEDU decision to withdraw financial support for the scheme which has come as a major blow to the area’s flourishing craft industry and tourism potential.

Instead of providing financial backing for the 12-business centre in the Grange Courtyard of Castlewellan Forest Park, LEDU is now limiting its involvement to the commissioning of an appraisal of the potential of the craft industry in Down District.

Mr O’Neill said he stood by the comments he made last month and stressed the Castlewellan proposal was viable and in the hands of Jobspace and the Down Economic Development Agency.

“We are still waiting the outcome of the representations being made to the Minister, but I will name names if I have to and point out the people who have contributed to the project’s downfall,” he declared.

NEWCASTLE – Supporters of Shimna College, the proposed integrated secondary school earmarked for Newcastle, have hailed the government approval for the school as a “marvellous opportunity.”

Education Minister Michael Ancram formally approved the setting up of the school last week thus removing the final obstacle to the opening of school doors in September.

Welcoming the minister’s announcement, Shimna College chairperson Angela Morgan said it was the culmination of a great deal of effort by the dedicated group of parents who had worked tirelessly to establish and meet the demand for integrated post-primary education.

“Since the opening of Lagan College in 1981, integrated schools have been established in direct response to the stated needs of parents.”

DOWNPATRICK – All Down councillors are to be asked to attend a special meeting of the local authority’s Client Services Committee shortly to discuss an issue which is fast becoming the “hottest potato” the authority has faced in years.

On Monday night, councillors spent almost an hour behind-closed-doors discussing asserting a right-of-way at the Steamboat Quay and Lisboy Road in Downpatrick, but could still not come to a decision.

Reporters were ordered out of the chamber when the matter was discussed “in-committee” and it has since emerged that many councillors are loathe to pursue a right-of-way asserted in 1989 because of the threat of legal action.

And several influential members are understood to be more than a little concerned if one of the landowners affected by the proposal carries out his threat to take the council to court.

Other residents in the area have already vowed to call for a public inquiry if the council plumps for a diversionary route and some politicians fear that if local farmer, Mr John Owens wins his court case, they will be surcharged to pay for the legal bills.

Although the matter has been discussed at length on a number of occasions and was again debated on Monday night, it has been referred back to the committee for further consultation.

And all councillors have been urged to attend so their input can be discussed and taken on board.

ARDGLASS – The next stage in the planned development of a marina in Ardglass took place last week.

Tender documents for the project were posted off to consultants and the Ardglass Development Committee revealed that a limited company has been formed to handle the scheme.

Phennick Cove Developments Ltd, will handle the various aspects of the marina development which recently received substantial grant aid from the Rural Development Council Land and International Fund for Ireland.

A company logo, designed by local woman Lucy Fleming, has also been produced showing a dolphin jumping through the ring of stars commonly associated with he European Union.

SAINTFIELD  – Down Council officials are keeping their fingers crossed that they will not get involved in a “bidding war” for a prime section of land in Saintfield.

Council chiefs have identified the area as “an ideal spot” to provide the expanding town with an amenity area which would include the provision of sports pitches and a possible town park.

The council has discussed purchasing the land, which borders the Belfast and Killinchy roads in the town, and is hoping it will not have to get involved in a bidding war.

A developer is currently awaiting for a decision on a planning application to build warehouses on the same section of land which is not thought to be suitable for housing because of the close proximity of a sewage plant.

And it has also emerged that the council has lodged a formal objection to the application and hopes that permission for the warehouses will be refused.

The council’s sports development officer, Patrick McCluckey, who has been negotiating with the landowner on the council’s behalf, says the land is ideal for an amenity area.

KILCLIEF – Kilclief’s gaelic footballers will soon be playing on a much improved pitch.

The club has been given permission to re-level the pitch at St Malachy’s Park and provide new fences, ball catch nets and a new access.

BISHOPSCOURT – The former RAF base at Bishopscourt is set to undergo a major transformation over the next three years during a multi-million pound facelift, it was confirmed last week.

Planning permission was recently granted for racing to take place at the Province’s latest short circuit venue and plans to develop a major activity centre are set to swing into action.

Details of the future plans were mapped out at a press conference last Wednesday night when course owners David Beattie and John Gifts confirmed “real development” at the base can now begin.

A new entrance is to be constructed and the track is to be resurfaced, with the owners looking at the possibly of extending the 1.9 miles track as their bid to attract World Superbike racing to Bishopscourt gathers momentum.

“We have been in contact with various organisations regarding activities other than motor sports and these have certainly been favourably received.” explained Mr Beattie.

KILLYLEAGH – A special sailing event is being held on Strangford Lough this weekend.

The Lightning class at Killyleagh Yacht Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and to celebrate the landmark, the club is hosting a commemorative regatta. 

Yachts and dinghies from clubs throughout the lough and beyond are invited to take part in the event, which gets underway with the first race at 2pm.

An American design, the Lightning was brought to Killyleagh by local men Tom McKelvey and Alec Sutherland, who built the first boat during the winter of 1943.

AUTOCROSS – A notable driver taking part at the Ballykinlar Raceway on Sunday was Hankie Curran, twice holder of the King of the Valley title.

Curran proved he is as good as ever by winning the grand final in fine style.

Behind in the early stages, he took the lead on the third lap and then came under pressure from Paul Kearney, but kept in front to the flag despite the best efforts of Kearney.