From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 10, 1993

From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 10, 1993

8 March 2023

BISHOPSCOURT – Plans for a major new equestrian centre and an extension to the existing race track, are just two of the proposals under consideration for the former RAF BIshopscourt air base.

Details of a £4m development package at the site are currently nearing completion, and if they are approved, the men behind the venture say it will “pave the way” for the scheme to get off the ground.

A major leisure complex is also being proposed along with gymkhana facilities and all the proposals have been put under the microscope during the compilation of an environmental impact study.

It has been carried out by Dr Pat Branniff, a planning and development consultant, but it is understood that the proposals are likely to be the subject of a public inquiry.

Mr David Beattie, who has developed part of the former air base into a motorcycle race track, is conscious of the concerns which have been voiced by a number of local people, but he hopes they will support his plans.

He says the leisure centre would be “the envy of many”, along with new tennis courts, the equestrian centre and gymkhana facilities. He also hopes to develop a number of covered areas suitable for holding vintage car and motorcycle rallies.

DOWNPATRICK – The new Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre was opened yesterday by Economy Minister Robert Atkins, who said he was “absolutely delighted” to be associated with the Market Street office.

He said the information centre was a “marvellous achievement” which would reflect the “enormous attraction” of County Down.

Calling it the “future of Down” he said: “The people of Northern Ireland give an enormous welcome to everyone who comes here, and if we can translate that through offices and facilities like this then we are going to have an enormous success on our hands.”

Welcoming the Minster and top Ulster Tourist officials, Down Council chairman Sam Osborne called the occasion “a success for Down and tourism in general..

“You only have to look around it to see its lovely displays and see its worth and attraction” he said.

BALLYNAHINCH  – A compromise solution to the bypass row in Ballynahinch is being sought.

The town’s Chamber of Commerce and the recently-formed  Ballynahinch Regeneration Committee, are to conduct a  joint survey of the town’s business community in an attempt to heal divisions.

The survey will be carried out over the coming weeks and its findings will bemused as the basis of a campaign for improvements to the town’s traffic system.

In the survey businessmen will be asked to indicate their preference for: a bypass scheme to take heavy traffic away from the town centre; a link-road which would reduce traffic in some of the most congested area; no alternation in the present road network.

The decision to carry out the survey was agreed at a chamber meeting last Wednesday night,.

The bypass row developed a few weeks ago when the newly-formed regeneration committee announced that seeking Government approval for a bypass would be its main priority.

A week later, the chamber voiced its opposition to any by-pass because of fears it could delimitate trade in the town.

Now the chamber and the regeneration committee have agreed to bide by the findings of the survey.

DARRAGH CROSS – One of the prospective SDLP candidates for the Rowallane area, Mr Eamon Flynn from Saintfield has called on the Department of the Environment Roads Service in Downpatrick to provide street lighting at Darragh Cross.

Mr Flynn said: “Street lighting at this location is urgently required. There is a considerable level of development of this location.”

KILLYLEAGH – Killyleagh residents will have the chance to express their views on the town at a special public meeting tonight.

The town committee has scheduled a meeting to discuss the problems and future development of Killyleagh which will be attended by Housing Executive officials and local councillors.

Committee chairman, Mr Gerry Walsh, said he was hoping for a positive meeting which will be beneficial for the people of Killyleagh.

He said some of the difficulties faced by some local residents in getting suitable housing and the cleanliness of the beach were two of the problems the town committee would be raising.

“We hope to get some satisfaction for the people of the town,” said Mr Walsh, who added he hoped  for a positive response from the meeting, which is open to the public.

“We will get something done for the people of Killyleagh and tell them what is happening. We need to give them a feedback,” he said.

DOWNPATRICK – Knockevin Special School honoured their retired board of governors chairman last Thursday night with a presentation to Mr Harley Breen by parents, staff and board members.

A painting of Ballydugan Lake, which was the view from Mr Breen’s Downpatrick home, by local artist John Manley, was presented by way of thanks for his support and interest in the school over many years.

ARDGLASS – The Department of the Environment had this week been asked to improve road safety measures outside St Nicholas’ Primary School, Ardglass.

The call has been made by the town’s Independent candidate in the forthcoming local government elections, Mr Paddy O’Connor.

Following advice from the South Eastern Education and Library  Board’s legal department, the school was advised to stop allowing parents to drive their cars over the school playground to collect their children.

Parents were informed of the move in a letter from the chairman of the school’s board of governors, Fr Byrne, who said the prohibition was in the “interests of safety.”

Mr O’Connor says that bearing in mind the decision to close the playground to traffic, the DoE should take “immediate action” to provide a lay-by outside the school.

He claims such a move is necessary to prevent a young child being killed or seriously injured on the busiest road in the village.

“Last year, one young child was knocked down and injured and no one wants to see that happening again,” said Mr Connor, who added he had been informed by the Department that it was “not responsible” for road safety measures outside the school.

He also claimed that between 2pm and 3.15pm, almost 40 cars arrived at the school to ferry children home.

“There are now so many cars outside the school that Ulsterbus drivers have no alternative but to double park to collect children,” he said.

KILLOUGH – A second phase of environmental improvements is to be carried out in the village conservation areas of Killough and Strangford over the next year.

Overhead electricity and telephone cables are to be re-routed underground in Killough and additional seating and litter bins are to be provided, Down councillor, Dr Michael Healy, revealed this week.

“It is pleasing to know that substantial money will be spent in these areas for both villages are jewels  in the crown of Down District,” said Dr Healy.

“It is imperative that the council, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, makes special efforts to play its part,” he added.

DUNDRUM – A major survey is being carried out into Dundrum’s sewerage treatment works in a bid to eradicate a persistent smell problem.

South Down MP Eddie McGrady revealed this week that consultants have been appointed to see how sea water is getting into the Newcastle road plant causing the smell.

The smell has been a matter of considerable local concern ever since the plant was constructed several years ago.,

It has been established that sea water getting into the plant is the cause of the smell problem but, despite several attempts, the Department of the Environment has been unable to find out where the water gets into the works.

“Over the past few years I have been campaigning to have the smell at the Dundrum sewerage works reduced,” said Mr McGrady.