David goes the extra mile to keep town looking good

David goes the extra mile to keep town looking good

13 May 2015

ANYONE visiting Killyleagh Street in Crossgar recently could not have helped but notice the pristine condition of railings outside a number of homes.

But the credit for maintaining the railings, which are in immaculate condition, does not go to the local council or roads officials, but Crossgar resident David Eynon.

Every four years David purchases paint at his own expense and paints the railings which stretch some 60 metres along Killyleagh Street. It’s a job he loves doing.

David’s wife Margaret is also a keen gardener and at the end of this month she will be preparing her summer floral displays and planters which also add a touch of colour to this part of the village.

The couple take great pride in the appearance of their home and the busy street which runs alongside it, and Crossgar Community Association have described the husband and wife team as a “credit to the village.”

It hopes their community spirit will rub off on others and more people in the village will be encouraged to do their bit to enhance its appearance.

Community group chairman, Paul Teggart, who came across David giving the railings a fresh lick of paint last weekend, said he was “hugely impressed” with his commitment and the fact he paid for the paint himself.

“David is doing a terrific job and has been for many years, while his wife Margaret’s efforts add a real touch of colour to this part of Crossgar,” he continued.

“We would encourage similar community-spirited individuals to do their bit for Crossgar. David and his wife Margaret are setting a wonderful example we hope others will follow. It is terrific there are people who have the interest and indeed appearance of Crossgar at heart.”

Mr Teggart said the Crossgar group recently launched its community clean-up around the village which was very successful, with the initiative securing local people’s support.

“We want people to take ownership of the village and work in tandem with the various statutory agencies to improve Crossgar’s appearance. David and Margaret are doing a tremendous job and their efforts are greatly appreciated by the community group,” he continued.

During a walkabout in the village on Monday night with South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, Mr Teggart pointed out the work Mr Eynon is doing.

Community officials hope they can ensure the pensioner is reimbursed for the money he has spent on painting the railings and that people across Crossgar will appreciate his efforts.

Mr Teggart added: “David and Margaret are doing their bit to keep Crossgar tidy and we cannot thank them enough. They are doing a terrific job and we certainly recognise their efforts on behalf of the community.

“It is absolutely brilliant we have people like this in Crossgar who are willing to seize the initiative and do their bit for the community.”