Translink urged to remove ‘ugly’ bus advertising panel

Translink urged to remove ‘ugly’ bus advertising panel

12 June 2024

TRANSLINK has been asked to remove an advertising panel from the side of a bus shelter in Crossgar which has been branded “ugly” by a local politician.

Councillor Callum Bowsie — who is also President of Crossgar Historical Society — hopes his appeal will not fall on deaf ears.

The shelter is located adjacent to the village’s historic cast iron water pump which was smashed to smithereens after being struck by a car several years ago. 

The pump was subsequently rebuilt after being rescued from a lorry taking it away to be dumped by Cllr Bowsie following a community fundraiser financed its repair by a team of cast-iron specialists.

He said when the pump was repaired and its history brought to life, there was a greater appreciation for it. 

“Since the pump’s reinstallation on Downpatrick Street, I have received a surprisingly high number of complaints from residents near and far, including local historical societies and archaeologists, about the disservice the advertising panel does to the village’s historic quarters,” Cllr Bowsie revealed.

“Over the past two years, I have been working with Translink officials to find resolutions. This has included representation from Stormont’s Heritage Environment Division who have responsibility over listed buildings and street furniture.”

Cllr Bowsie said the parties have agreed with the view that the curtilage of this iconic listed item should be more sensitive to the historical importance of not only the treasured pump, but the listed chapel too, both of which have been in place since the 1870s.

The Rowallane councillor said that while ideally the bus stop should be moved to a less congested area of the street, given that this is unlikely to happen anytime soon, he has requested the removal of the side advertisement panel.

He said the panel “completely blocks” the view of a cherished pump from one side of the street and creates an unsightly back from the other.

“I understand that any adaptions, particularly concerning advertisement, will be at a cost, but Translink needs to recognise the strong feeling on this local issue,” Cllr Bowsie continued.

“It is important to note, that I am not asking for the shelter to be removed, only for adaptions to be. A number of solutions have been discussed with Translink over the past couple of years and have been reviewed by the company. Some of these options may offset any revenue loss.

Cllr Bowsie added: “I am pleased that following my most recent meeting with Translink officials on Friday, viable alternatives agreed are now being explored.”