From the pages of the Down Recorder, January 20, 1993

From the pages of the Down Recorder, January 20, 1993

18 January 2023

DOWNPATRICK – While there is still a great deal of speculation about what the Eastern Health Board intends to do, senior health and trade union officials are convinced the Downe Hospital will be a major loser in the shake-up.

Maternity services are expected to be lost from the Downshire site in Downpatrick. However, a midwifery service may still be available.

Services at the Downe are expected to be downgraded, while acute facilities at the Lagan Valley in Lisburn are expected to be enhanced, primarily to allow for the increased demand from the Downpatrick area.

The news leak suggests that while the Downe will lost its consultant-led maternity services, a remaining midwifery service, could be a possibility, if management are in favour.

It also claims that a casualty service for minor injuries and inpatient surgery for non-serious conditions will continue to be provided at the Downe, as well as day surgery and rehabilitation.

Ambulance support is also expected to be increased.

Consultants at the Downe hospital are reserving judgement on claims that acute services are to be downgraded and are waiting until they have received a copy of the Working Party’s purchasing plan.

However, Mr Alan Archbold, made it quite clear that there was a need for an acute hospital in Downpatrick and said the case had been proved time and time again.

“There is a great deal of depravation in Down and District and, according, there is a higher need for health care. If services are lost to Downpatrick then the Board will be providing a second class service for the local population,” he declared.

“Accidents occur 24 hours a day and there is no point having an increased ambulance provision if there are no acute services available to treat patients.”

Mr Archbold also said a casualty department in Downpatrick was “an absolutely necessity.”

“The consultant staff at the local hospitals have put forward recommendations that acute services are needed in Downpatrick to service the health needs of the local population.

“Why should Down District be more deprived than others within the Eastern Board’s catchment area?” he asked.

BALLYNAHINCH – A public meeting will be held in Ballynahinch next week to pave the way for the future regeneration of the town. The meeting is being organised by Ballynahinch Chamber of Commence and local councillors.

One of its main tasks will be to elect a steering committee which will be responsible for attracting grant aid for schemes to improve the appearance of the town and help foster businesses.

Chamber president, Mr Billy Alexander, yesterday appealed for a massive show of public support for the meeting.

“We want as many people as possible to attend so that we can go forward with the support of everyone in Ballynahinch,” Mr Alexander said.

“This is not just about seeking grants to refurbish commercial properties in the town. The business sector is very important, but we also want to improve the town as a whole,” he continued.

Mr Alexander is confident that money could be made available for a number of schemes, such as a town park close to the community centre in Windmill Street and improved sporting facilities.

“The money is there, but we must get everyone involved. That means business people, residents, church groups, schools and youth organisation,” he said.

“Everyone has a part to play. If we work together, we can get Ballynahinch on the move,” Mr Alexander added.

KILLYLEAGH – The weekend storms have robbed Delamont Country Park of one of its oldest trees.

The 150 year-old beech tree, believed to have been planted when the estate was first laid out, was uprooted by the gale force winds which lashed Down District on Saturday night.

Situated on the main avenue into the Killyleagh park, the beech was one of the best trees in the park and was certainly one of the most striking.

Park manager, Mr Simon Boyle, has revealed that a number of trees have already been planted in the vicinity which will take over as the number of old trees decreases.

And he explained that Down Council is to embark on a large-scale planting operation next year which will dramatically change the look of parts of the park.

Several hundred new trees will be planted which will change the farm image of the park to one more closely allied to a forests park.

DOWNPATRICK – The controversial proposal to close Irish Street in Downpatrick has been shelved until a regeneration scheme for the area is ready to proceed.

The Department of the Environment has confirmed that plans have been drawn up to extend the town’s regeneration scheme into lower Irish Street and that this will not proceed for some time.

Two weeks ago the Water Services revealed its had planned to close the street for two months early in the year to allow the laying of a replacement watermain, but the Department has decided that this work will now be carried out alongside the environmental improvement work. 

The news has been welcomed by local councillors, who had been concerned at the implications to traffic flow and business which such a closure would have entailed.

However, at Monday’s monthly council meeting there was still criticism that the Water Service did not tell the council of its plans at a special meeting in October. 

News of the change of plan came in a letter from the Department to the council which explained that it is Water Service practice to carry out watermain renewal schemes in conjunction with work being carried out by other bodies. 

TYRELLA – Work on a new £150,000 amenity block at Tyrella beach, is expected to commence in early spring, it has been confirmed.

The scheme, which has been proposed by Down District Council as par of its second phase development plan for the beach, is expected to take a number of weeks to complete.

Tenders have been invited from experienced contractors for the work which will involve the construction of a new toilet block and the replacement of two  existing sceptic tanks.

The building and civil engineering work will also see the creation of a picnic area, landscaping, paths and fences.

A number of bollards are also expected to be put in place to provide access to the amenity block, especially for the disabled.

And signs are to be erected at the beach to inform visitors of the amenity’s existence, which the sand dunes will also come under the microscope.

They have already been examined by a top expert on shifting sands and action may be taken to protect the amenity area from erosion.

KILLINCHY – Some of the world’s top motocross riders are expected to make a welcome return to Killinchy next year.

The Killinchy Motorcycle Club is set to apply for a 1994 world championship round and club insiders are confident the application will be successful.

The decision was reached at a club meeting last week to make a formal application through the Motor-Cycling Union of Ireland. It seems almost certain that it will be accepted by the sport’s work body.

But there’s uncertainty as to which championship the club hopes to stage. It will be either the 250cc or 500cc event.

Club spokesman Sam McMinn said this week: “We are keeping our options open.”

The only major rival to Killinchy getting a world round is the Munster club which hosts this year’s 250ccc Irish Motocross Grand Prix in Cork.