From the pages of the Down Recorder, April 15, 1992

From the pages of the Down Recorder, April 15, 1992

13 April 2022

KILLOUGH – There is uncertainty this week over the future role in Killough Brickworks following the decision to make redundant the production workforce of 45.

Strangford Brick says the shutdown “reflects the current state of the construction industry in Great Britain.”

The company said it has no alternative but to lay off the workforce because there is no visible upturn in the construction industry.

“This course is as a result of the recession and does not reflect in any way on the workforce who have served the company extremely well since production commenced. Clearly it is management’s responsibility to keep all its production arrangements under continuous review,” a spokesman said.

The plant was reopened by Tyrone Brick in 1988 specifically to service the then buoyant cross-water market with special ranges of bricks at premium prices. It has been on short term lay-offs since January.

“The relevant trade unions have been informed. Distribution will continue from the Killough plant for the foreseeable future.”

Newly re-elected South Down SDLP MP, Mr Eddie McGrady, said this week that he will be asking for every assistance to be given to the company to ensure the Killough plant is retained for future production.

“It is unfortunate that this has taken place at this time when there is a change-over in Ministers at the Northern Ireland Office. While I had no personal knowledge of the impending pay-offs I do know that the company was suffering order problems in view of the collapse of the building industry in England and Wales,” said Mr McGrady.

BALLYNAHINCH – Moves are to be made at a public meeting in Ballynahinch tonight to launch a regeneration project to improve the commercial and economic fortunes of the town.

A special public meeting is to be held in the town’s Community Centre at 8pm to consider the possibility of establishing a regeneration committee.

An appeal has gone out for public support for the meeting which is being viewed as one of the most important to take place in the town for some time.

“We are particularly keen to obtain active support from the business community. We are also interested in hearing from people interested in developing property and improving their properties in the town,” explained the town’s Chamber of Commence president, Mr Billy Alexander.

“There are considerable grants available under the CRISP funding programme and it would be our aim to ensure Ballynahinch gets a share of this funding.”

He views it as an important progression following the establishment of the Chamber of Commence.

It is his hope to get off the ground a similar type of community-led regeneration initiative as is currently taking place in a number of other towns in Down District.

KILLYLEAGH – The impact of any proposed waterfront development at Killyleagh would have to be carefully weighed up, a Government minister has stressed.

Environment Minister Richard Needham has said the impact of any fresh planning application for a marina will have to be carefully assessed for its impact on the environment generally and on “the unique environment and amenity of Strangford Lough.”

Mr Needham made the response in writing last week after being asked by South Down SDLP MP, Mr Eddie McGrady, for his comments on the suitability of Killyleagh as a location for a marina on the lough.

The Minister said: “The Down Area Plan recognised the important role which Killyleagh harbour could play in the commercial development of the town and the contribution it could make to recreation and tourism.

KILLINCHY – The Killinchy firm, Cuan Sea Fisheries, has been taken over in a management buy-out.

A former subsidiary of drinks giant Guinness, the company as been sold to its managing director, Dr Jasper Parsons, and general manager Mr John McElreavey.

Details of the buy-out were announced by Mr John Laverty, managing director of Guinness Northern Ireland.

Mr Laverty said: “In recent years, Guinness has divested itself of a number of subsidiaries not closely related to its core business.”

He continued: “We regard the sale of Cuan to its present management as the best way to facilitate the further development of the business and safeguard employment.”

Founded in 1977, Cuan has built up an international reputation for growing and wholesaling oysters, with markets in the UK, Europe and the Far East.

NEWCASTLE – Thousands of people are expected to flock to Newcastle at the weekend for the biggest sporting event in Easter calendar.

The Circuit of Ireland Rally will start and finish in the seaside town and has already claimed virtually every available holiday bed in the town’s hotels and guest houses. The race will start from the Slieve Donard Hotel after a gruelling trip around Ireland will return to the hotel some time on Tuesday afternoon.

The Circuit of Ireland has retained its popularity throughout the years and is always guaranteed for attracting massive crowds, not only to the various high-speed stages, but also to the start and finish where spectators have a chance of rubbing shoulders with the great names in world rallying.

The miles of wonderful beaches, the shoreline promenades, the picturesque park walks and the unequalled availability of the Mourne Mountains and local forest parks will prove tempting diversions to the feature event.

DOWNPATRICK – The development of collegiate education at two Downpatrick schools is being threatened by a lack of facilities, it has been claimed.

The governors of Down High School and Down Academy have accused education chiefs of failing to provide adequate facilities at both schools.

In a stinging criticism aimed at Stormont, the governors say the lack of facilities is “inevitably hampering the desired expansion of collegiality,” despite the high level of co-operation between staff at both schools.

The issue dominated a recent meeting between the two boards of governors to review the collegiate system.

In a joint statement issued afterwards, they said: “An area of concern was the slow pace of the creation of new facilities.

“The Governors shared the dismay of the South Eastern Education and Library Board that though the Minister announced new starts, their commencement is always substantially later.”

The statement continues: “There is an urgent need, due to the popularity of both schools, for better facilities.

Despite their concerns, the governors and the headmasters have expressed “general satisfaction” on the development of the collegiate concept.

They say both schools have benefited from the sharing of staff, facilities and expertise courses. They seem that trend continuing with a resulting  increase in opportunities for pupils.

The governors say that “while in no way complacent and keen to expand and enhance education for all,” they are happy with the “strong start and commitment of both schools to collegiality.”

CROSSGAR – Concern has been expressed at heavy lorries parking near a Crossgar housing estate.

Downpatrick and District Road Safety Committee has learned that residents at Lissara Close are annoyed with heavy vehicles parking on a grass verge opposite the estate.

Members were told recently that the RUC is to monitor the situation and report back to the committee.