Group works to spruce up Saintfield

Group works to spruce up Saintfield

25 July 2018

WORK has taken place in Saintfield to ensure the town is blooming marvellous this summer for residents and visitors alike.

Members of the Saintfield Development Association’s ‘green committee’ have been busy helping spruce up the Fair Green area where old planters have been replaced.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is also lending its support by building six two-tired planters which have been filled with an array of blooms.

Members of the Saintfield group have extended thanks to the local authority’s parks supervisor, Tom Price and his team from the parks department for organising the planting and watering the flowers.

The green committee was also offered the area fronting the AYC building on Main Street and have produced a beautiful floral display here, despite operating in a tight budget. 

AYC caretaker Seanie Murray and Shaneen Davies of the Ballynahinch, Drumaness and Saintfield Credit Union, gave the committee a free hand with the floral displays and provided watering on the site. 

The green committee said the level of support it received is very much appreciated, explaining  most of the plants for the AYC building were purchased from New Horizons in Downpatrick, a charity that works with adults coping with mental health issues. The Saintfield group said it decided to support them in their valuable work. 

The remainder of the plants were purchased from Saintfield Nurseries, which has also been a staunch supporter of the green committee’s efforts to spruce up Saintfield.

Rowallane councillor Robert Burgess has praised the work of the Saintfield Development Association and hopes the town will taste success in this year’s Ulster in Bloom competition.

He said Saintfield and other towns and villages across the district had entered the very popular competition and wished them all well as they attempt catch the judges’ eye with their stunning floral creations.

“These awards encourage towns and villages to look their best, boosting civic pride through beautiful plant and floral displays,” he said.

“While there are hard-working committees in each area hoping to win various category awards, we must not forget the important contribution made by Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s parks department staff.”