HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 1 CONTENTS

1 Introduction to Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Village Plan Page 5 2 The Villages of Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Page 6 3 Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Village Plan – Consultation Process Page 13 4 Analysis and Findings Page 16 5 Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn – Village Plan Outcomes Page 19 6 Detail of Village Projects Page 21 7 Delivery of Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Integrated Village Action Plan Page 28 8 Appendices Page 34 Appendix A – Community Survey Results Appendix B – Tracking and Monitoring Template

2 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 3 1 Introduction to Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Village Plan

1.1 BACKGROUND TO VILLAGE PLANNING Since then the residents association has made steady progress towards the implementation of the plan. As part of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020, At least a dozen recommendations have been fully Ards and North Down Borough Council have provided implemented, with nearly as many again partially support to help villages within the Council area revise progressed. Perhaps inevitably, those which proved and update their village plans. These plans identify the easiest to implement were either those where the specific needs of each village and set out a range of primary stakeholder was the residents association itself, agreed actions to be delivered over the next five years. or those where one other agency such as the Borough The village plan is a working document that has been Council was required to assist to ensure delivery. developed through a process of engagement with the HBCRA and the local community have faced many local community. The plan sets out the key issues, challenges in progressing actions that are under the concerns and priorities local residents wish to see responsibility of statutory agencies or indeed multiple addressed in order to improve the quality of life within statutory agencies. In the initial plan it was clear, the local area. as in this current plan, that road safety and traffic The village plan provides a clear vision for Helen’s Bay management issues are the biggest concern residents and Crawfordsburn detailing the actions needed to build want to see addressed. Despite this demonstrable upon the unique strengths and distinctive qualities the evidence it has been difficult for the residents association area has whilst also seeking to address issues which to secure progress on key issues such as speeding, need to be addressed. signage and general traffic management issues.

1.2 A (REVISED) VILLAGE PLAN FOR HELEN’S BAY 1.3 METHODOLOGY – OVERVIEW AND CRAWFORDSBURN The village plan for Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn A village plan for Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn was first sets out a vision for how the local area can continue produced by Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Residents to improve and sustainably develop. Through in-depth Association (HBCRA), with the Paul Hogarth consultancy, community engagement a range of key actions and through consultation with the local community in April improvements have been identified to improve the 2013. Progressing the actions contained within the plan overall physical, economic and social aspects of the has remained a strong focus ever since. area and help address local needs. Therefore, it is important to recognise that the Agreeing priorities and developing a plan also provides development of this new plan (2018–2023) represents opportunities for funding by providing a central point a continuing progression from the initial plan and of reference for future investment throughout the area, considerable ongoing effort by the local community. whether through public sector, private sector or the As five years have passed since the initial plan was community and voluntary sector. produced it is important to now review, revise and Whilst the plan includes a range of actions which assign update the village plan to ensure the actions remain priorities and timescales to the improvement projects, relevant and consider any emerging issues or concerns. this document should not be treated as a final blueprint for development. Instead it should be viewed as a series 1.2.1 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS FROM THE 2013 of priorities and actions that will deliver significant HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN PLAN benefits for the area. Some of the actions will require to be developed to a greater level of detail, including HBCRA led in producing the 2013 Integrated Village Plan any further needs assessment, consultation with on behalf of the two villages. This plan was produced stakeholders, consideration of any deliverability issues after extensive consultation with the local community, as well as outcomes and indicators of success. and included 50 action points, with specified timescales, priorities and stakeholders.

4 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 5 Crawfordsburn is served by an hourly bus service As a consequence of this, the North Down and Ards 2 The Villages of Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn between Bangor and Belfast. Although there are Area Plan 1984-1995 (NDAAP) is now the extant no buses passing through Helen’s Bay, it is served statutory development plan for the North Down by a railway station providing easy access to both area with the draft BMAP remaining a material 2.1 LOCATION 2.2 HISTORY OF HELEN’S BAY AND Belfast and Bangor. consideration until such times as the Council has a new Local Development Plan adopted. Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn are picturesque CRAWFORDSBURN Helen’s Bay has a golf club, tennis club and the semi-rural villages situated on the northern coast community is served by a pharmacy, hairdresser, Both villages are steeped in history and are popular 2.5 COMMUNITY PROFILE of County Down approximately ten miles north-east destinations for visitors as they benefit from two dentist, beauty salon and off-licence. A mobile library of Belfast. Helen’s Bay is in large part a commuter sandy beaches with stunning views of Belfast Lough. service also visits both villages. Helen’s Bay’s play park The villages of Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn are village, mainly located within the townland of Ballygrot is located on Fort Road and there is another play area settlements captured within the Craigavad and Helen’s Bay was a planned village following the arrival between Holywood, Crawfordsburn and Bangor. on the Cootehall Road in Crawfordsburn. The community Crawfordsburn super output areas (SOAs)1 respectively. The village lies four miles west of Bangor and is of the Belfast and County Down Railway in the 1860s. is served by two local churches, St John Baptist (Church only one mile west of Crawfordsburn. It was named after Lady Helen Dufferin, the mother of Ireland) and Helen’s Bay Presbyterian. Both facilitate Information relating to the community profile for of the first Marquess of Dufferin and Ava and owner a range of regular community activities for all ages, Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn has been sourced Crawfordsburn is a small, picturesque and historic of Clandeboye Estate. The marquess had a vision to from toddlers to the elderly. from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research village located between Holywood and Bangor, develop the area into a luxury resort to rival areas Agency2 through the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood bounded to the north and east by Crawfordsburn such as Portrush and Portstewart. Helen’s Bay has Information Service (NINIS). The NINIS3 website provides Country Park. The village is approximately three the historic Grey Point Fort, built as a coastal defence 2.4 SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND AREA access to statistical and locational information miles west of Bangor. battery between 1904 and 1907, which is currently OF VILLAGE CHARACTER about small areas across Northern Ireland. It contains operated by volunteers. The Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) covers datasets on a range of socio-economic themes at small-area statistical geographies. These area profiles Crawfordsburn was named after an early Scottish settler the City Council areas of Belfast and Lisburn and the can be used to provide a statistical snapshot of local and the stream that flows through the village. The small Borough Council areas of Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Newtownabbey and North Down. The Plan was adopted areas such as Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn. Helen’s Bay settlement originated in the 1600s on the important route along North Down. The coaching inn on the Main Street, on 9th September 2014 however that adoption has since been quashed as a result of a judgment in the Court of Crawfordsburn The Crawfordsburn Inn, is an original feature of the village and is used by both business and leisure visitors. Appeal delivered on 18 May 2017. Bangor Although Crawfordsburn is the older of the two villages, Helen’s Bay is now twice its size in terms of area. A short distance away, between the two villages, is Crawfordsburn County Park, which provides a connecting walking route. This is one of the most popular parks in Northern Ireland, attracting in excess of 500,000 visitors per year.

2.3 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES The active Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn Residents Association (HBCRA) exists to preserve and enhance the environment and character of the two historic villages. News about events and activities are published in the Comber twice-yearly newsletter delivered to all households, the BayBurn Life, and currently available on the association’s website (www.bayburn.com). Crawfordsburn village is host to the local state primary school, which serves both areas. Currently 210 pupils attend the school and there are plans for its redevelopment on the existing site. There is an Orange Hall on Crawfordsburn’s Main Street which would benefit from general improvement works. An important convenience store and petrol station is located in the village of Crawfordsburn. The village has a craft shop as well as Loaf Pottery, a small arts centre run by the NOW Group providingPortavogie services for people living with a learning disability.

1 Northern Ireland is divided into 890 Super Output Areas which are relatively small scale areas containing on average just over 2,000 people. Super Output Areas are the core reporting geography of the NI Multiple Deprivation Measure (2010) 2 Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (www.nisra.gov.uk) 3 NINIS (https://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/Home.aspx)

6 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023Portaferry HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 7 2.5.1 Helen’s Bay Community Profile 2.5.2 Crawfordsburn Community Profile

• On Census Day (27 March 2011) the population of Helen's Bay Settlement was 1,385, • On Census Day (27 March 2011) the population of the Crawfordsburn Settlement was 581, living in 590 households, giving an average household size of 2.4 living in 246 households, giving an average household size of 2.4 • The 2001 Census reported Helen’s Bay as having 1,362 residents, meaning there was been • The 2001 Census reported Crawfordsburn as having 531 residents, meaning there was been a population increase of 23, which is 1.7% over 10 years a population increase of 30, which is 5.6% POPULATION POPULATION

• 17% of the population are aged 0–15 • 16% of the population are aged 0–15 • 10% of the population are aged 16–29 • 10% of the population are aged 16–29 • 15% of the population are aged 30–44 • 15% of the population are aged 30–44 • 31% of the population are aged 45–64 • 31% of the population are aged 45–64 • 28% of the population are aged 65+ • 27% of the population are aged 65+

AGE PROFILE • The average age is 51 years old AGE PROFILE • The average age is 51 years old

• 48% of residents are male • 48.5% of residents are male • 52% of residents are female • 51.5% of residents are female GENDER GENDER

• 12.8% of residents belong to or were brought up in the Catholic religion • Of the residents in Crawfordsburn 12.2% belong to or were brought up in the Catholic religion • 76% of residents belong to or were brought up in a 'Protestant and Other Christian' religion • 74.9% belong to or were brought up in a 'Protestant and Other Christian' religion RELIGION RELIGION

• 15% of people had a long-term health problem or disability that limited their day-to-day activities • 20.1% of people had a long-term health problem or disability that limited their day-to-day activities • 88% of people stated their general health was either good or very good • 84.3% of people stated their general health was either good or very good HEALTH • 13.8% of people stated that they provided unpaid care to family, friends, neighbours or others. HEALTH • 14.3% of people stated that they provided unpaid care to family, friends, neighbours or others

• 50.6% of people had a degree or higher qualification • 44.5% of people had a degree or higher qualification. • 19.4% of people had no or low level qualifications EDUCATION • 21.1% of people had no or low level qualifications. EDUCATION • 56.7% of people were economically active and 43.3% were economically inactive4 • 60.2% of people were economically active and 39.8% were economically inactive • 53% of people were in paid employment LABOUR • 56.7% of people were in paid employment MARKET • 1.7% of people were unemployed LABOUR MARKET • 2.1% of people were unemployed • 90.3% of homes were owner occupied (58% owned outright) and 8.5% were rented • 87% of homes were owner occupied (56.5% owned outright) and 11.8% were rented • 16.3% of homes were comprised of a single person aged 65+ years • 15.5% of homes were comprised of a single person aged 65+ years • 3.1% were lone parent households • 2% were lone parent households HOUSEHOLDS • 5.8% of households did not have access to a private vehicle HOUSEHOLDS • 6.9% of homes did not have access to a private vehicle

4 Economically inactive persons are defined by the fact that they do not have a job and are either not actively looking for a job or are not immediately available to work (or both). Unemployment is when a person who is actively searching for employment is unable to find work. • In 2016/17, 210 children were enrolled in Crawfordsburn Primary School

SCHOOL • 8.6% of the children were entitled to free school meals NUMBERS

8 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 9 2.6 LOCAL DEPRIVATION Helen’s Bay lies within the Craigavad SOA and Crawfordsburn lies within the Crawfordsburn SOA. CRIME AND DISORDER An indication into the level of deprivation local areas Therefore, the information from these SOAs has been Helen’s Bay Crawfordsburn experience can be identified through the Northern used to reflect the community profile of both areas, Helen’s Bay is ranked 609 and Crawfordsburn 672 Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure, 2017. This as shown below. report identifies small area concentrations of multiple out of 890 super output areas in Northern Ireland deprivation across Northern Ireland. All 890 super in relation to crime and disorder deprivation. output areas in Northern Ireland are ranked, with 1 being the most deprived and 890 the least deprived. This means both areas are in the top third of areas which suffer least from crime INCOME DEPRIVATION Score Score and disorder. 609 672 Helen’s Bay Crawfordsburn

Helen’s Bay is ranked 726 and Crawfordsburn ranked 826 out of 890 super output areas in Northern To Summarise… Population change over 10 years for Helen’s Bay is +1.7% and for Crawfordsburn +5.6%, which are both Ireland in relation to income deprivation. Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn are amongst the below the Northern Ireland average of +7.5%. This means both areas are in the top third of areas least deprived areas in Northern Ireland across in Northern Ireland which suffer least in relation to a range of measures including income, employment, health and crime. Proximity to key services such as income deprivation. A higher proportion of people in the local area, when health, leisure, financial or postal services is the only Score Score compared to the Northern Ireland average, have measure in which both areas experience a high level 726 826 a degree, rate their health as good and live in their of difficulty of access. own home. More people are economically inactive HEALTH DEPRIVATION Both Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn have a relatively (i.e. retired) and a greater proportion of homes than Helen’s Bay Crawfordsburn even gender split and the average age for people the Northern Ireland average are made up of a single living in the area is 51 years old (compared to person living alone aged 65+ years. a Northern Ireland average of 37 years). Helen's Bay is ranked 858 and Crawfordsburn 879 out of 890 super output ares of Northern Ireland in relation to Health deprivation. Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn are amongst the top 5% of areas in Northern Ireland which suffer least in terms of health deprivation. Score Score 858 879

EMPLOYMENT DEPRIVATION

Helen’s Bay Crawfordsburn

Helen’s Bay is ranked 749 and Crawfordsburn ranked 823 out of 890 super output areas in Northern Ireland in relation to employment deprivation. This means both areas are within the top 15% of areas in Northern Ireland which suffer least in terms of employment deprivation. Score Score 749 823

ACCESS/PROXIMITY TO SERVICES

Helen’s Bay Crawfordsburn

Helen’s Bay is ranked 221 and Crawfordsburn ranked 258 out of 890 super output areas in Northern Ireland in relation to difficulty accessing key services (health, leisure). This means both areas are in the top third of areas which suffer most in relation to accessing services. Score Score 221 258 5 https://www.nisra.gov.uk/statistics/deprivation/northern-ireland-multiple-deprivation-measure-2017-nimdm2017

10 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 11 2.7 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN The village planning process ensures the involvement VILLAGE PLAN – WIDER STRATEGIC FIT of local communities in agreeing actions to address 3 Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Village Plan – local needs, which is essential to securing sustainable The Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Village Plan improvements and positive outcomes for each area. Consultation Process focuses on the specific issues and actions needed within the local area. However, it does not exist in isolation – the plan links closely to the focus and The key aim of village planning is to ensure the local Council, statutory partners, schools, community and themes of the ‘Big Plan’, and issues relevant to other community has a clear role and input into agreeing the voluntary groups was undertaken to help develop the statutory stakeholders including health, education, issues to be addressed and actions to be taken forward final action plan. policing and public transport. as part of the plan. The village plan has been shaped by a thorough At the beginning of this process engagement took assessment process including site analysis, village place with HBCRA to ensure a partnership approach profiling, public consultation and the gathering of DRAFT in the preparation and delivery of this village plan. information through the distribution of questionnaires. PROGRAMME CORPORATE HELEN'S BAY AND FOR PLAN The plan seeks to build upon partnership working and CRAWFORDSBURN 3.1 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN GOVERNMENT capacity building within the community by consolidating VILLAGE PLAN VILLAGE PLAN – REVIEW AND UPDATE existing and creating new working partnerships. Through The revised village plan for Helen’s Bay and the plan, responsibilities are also placed on identified Crawfordsburn has been developed through several groups and stakeholders to lead on specific actions. key stages which provided opportunities to consult The key stages in developing the Helen’s Bay and with the local community. Engagement with a range of INTEGRATED Crawfordsburn Village Plan are detailed in Table 1. STRATEGIES stakeholders including Ards and North Down Borough REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN THEMATIC STRATEGIES

THE BIG PLAN OUTCOMES LOCAL DEVELOPMENT 1 2 3 4 5 Key - Responsibilities PLAN Central Government Listed in the Action Plan on page 30 Multiple stakeholders Ards and North Down Borough Council Figure 2: Strategic context for Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Village Plan

Engaging with local communities and supporting the environmental and social needs of the Borough while development of village plans is a key activity for local providing for the delivery of sustainable development. councils. The actions contained within each village It will guide development decisions within the Borough plan link closely to the broad remit of council in terms up to 2030. of supporting regeneration, facilitating economic There is also a range of thematic council strategies development, promoting tourism, protecting the which provide a specific context for many of the actions environment and encouraging participation in health contained within each village plan. These relate to and wellbeing activities. key issues or sectors including, food, car parking or The action plan for Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn recreation. As these are updated and revised, it will be is structured around five key themes, which are the important to ensure a strong link between each strategy outcomes contained in the Big Plan for Ards and North and village plan. Down. The village plans also feed into the Council’s Village plans also link to and help deliver wider Corporate Plan and its three categories of People, government policy at a local level, including the Draft Place and Prosperity. Programme for Government, Regional Development The forthcoming Local Development Plan (LDP) will Strategy, and sector-specific policies for tourism, provide a 15-year framework to support economic, investment, regeneration and arts and heritage.

12 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 13 STAGE ACTION/ACTIVITY UNDERTAKEN

1. Initial Community An initial meeting was held with the HBCRA committee to secure engagement in the Engagement review process. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the current plan and its Want to have your achievements as well as emerging issues and priorities.

2. Village Plan An in-depth review of the current village plan was undertaken including an assessment Review, Profiling of delivery against agreed actions. and Analysis say on Helen’s Bay In addition, a review of all available statistical information was undertaken alongside a review of documentation and desktop research to establish a detailed profile of the area.

3. Community The local community was invited to attend a consultation event on the evening of Consultation Wednesday 22nd November 2017 in the Presbyterian Church Hall, Church Road, Helen’s and Crawfordsburn’s (Stage 1) Bay. The meeting was facilitated by Insight Solutions and Rural Development Council with assistance from HBCRA. Approximately 60 members of the local community attended the meeting. An engagement session was held with pupils from Crawfordsburn Primary School Village Plan? to ensure the views of young people were included in the final village plan. A village ‘walk-about’ with HBCRA allowed for a greater understanding of the issues and priority actions across both Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn. These engagement sessions helped bring the local community together to share Public meeting to review and their views on the village and generated considerable feedback regarding the village strengths, weaknesses and future opportunities. update the current Village 4. Community Survey A community survey was developed to ensure that everyone in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn could take part in the village planning consultation process. The survey was designed to allow residents to comment on the key issues, concerns Action Plan and priorities they felt existed in relation to the local village areas. The survey was circulated online and hard copies were provided at key locations Wednesday 22nd November 2017 at 7.30pm throughout the village (e.g. shop, school). In total 66 responses were returned. Details of the findings from the community survey are contained in Appendix A. Presbyterian Church Hall, Helen’s Bay 5. Community Based on the initial profiling, consultation and community survey, a draft village plan Consultation was developed. The draft plan aimed to ‘shape up’ and reflect the issues raised by the • Have your say on issues affecting the local community (Stage 2) local community. A meeting to agree the draft plan was held with HBCRA committee to ensure it reflected local needs and was deliverable. • Identify priority actions to help improve your local area 6. Final Village Plan In the context of the feedback that was provided in relation to the draft plan, a final village plan was produced for 2018–2023. • Help develop a plan to secure funding and support For more information and to complete the online survey visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/village-plans

14 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 15 4 Analysis and Findings

A total of 66 surveys were returned (24 received online and 42 hard copy), which provided an important source of information on actions to be included in the final “A safe and friendly village plan. community in a lovely An overwhelming majority of residents (97%) believe location, with good living in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn provides rail links.” a good quality of life. Just over eight out of ten people (83%) have lived in the area for over five years. The local area is scenic, peaceful, safe and quiet. There is a strong sense of community with good neighbours and neighbourliness being cited as one “The community of the best aspects of the local area. Residents spirit and appreciate the beauty of the countryside, beaches neighbourliness.” and sea but also value the convenient travel links by rail and road to Belfast, Bangor and further afield. However, residents were less positive about the facilities available in the area, with 42% describing them as good, almost half (47%) stating they were neither good or bad, and one in ten people describing them as bad. There were similar findings when residents were asked to rate the services available in the local area. Overall, it would appear, that whilst the area is desirable to live in, residents believe local “Speed of traffic facilities and services could be improved. through both Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn.” Road Safety and Traffic Issues • Traffic speed and derestriction status 60mph at “Parking outside Ballyrobert Rd Old Inn - pain as Village Appearance holds up traffic.” • Parking provision at station and lack of ‘park and ride’ • Public realm works at Station Square “Crawfordsburn – • Pedestrian safety crossings “Public realm project • Increased planting, greenery no proper facilities • Poor condition of roads and footpaths in Station Square to which stifles improve parking and • Sympathetic to history and heritage community activities.” • Parking on footpaths access for elderly.” • Impact of summer tourist trade, for example litter • Lack of suitable street lighting • Dog fouling

“Local population taking ownership of common “Lack of access areas and feeling sense Public Transport to platform two unless Community Services and Facilities of community.” • Rail service to Bangor and Belfast is good by stairs.” • Outreach of health services – mental health support • Poor access to train station platform “Poor parking for train • Coffee shop/convenience store in Helen’s Bay • Lack of bus service in Helen’s Bay.” • More local groups and increased community “Dog fouling is an • All day commuter parking on around station and involvement ongoing issue for residential streets pedestrians in the area.” • Better play facilities • Need to ‘tidy up’ and maintain station “Cleaner underpass to the train station.” • Community safety and community policing

16 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 17 4.1 IDENTIFYING PRIORITIES AND ACTIONS 5 Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn – Village Plan Outcomes

Advice services for residents/ 5.1 OVERARCHING OUTCOMES 4. Supporting the Local Economy and Employment in community issues Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn 1. Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Achieving its Sport and • Engage with new owners of petrol station site recreation facilities Full Potential • Community activities and programmes for • Employment and skills development Health and young people • Support for NOW Group Loaf Pottery wellbeing activities • Community education programmes Activities for 5. Supporting the Local Environment, History and Heritage young people • Outreach of key community services in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn • Community/village participation in awards Activities for • Provision of gateway signage older people • Community events and information sharing • Dog fouling and litter bins Environmental • Address anti-social behaviour and low-level crime • Improve appearance of land between village areas initiatives 2. A Healthy and Active Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn • Community planting schemes and street furniture Community • Resurface Helen’s Bay tennis court • Community consultation on proposed village events developments • Development of tennis court clubhouse – feasibility Appearance of the study • Feasibility study to determine improvement works local area at Station Square • Crawfordsburn playpark and river walk (nature reserve) Road safety masterplan • Develop Grey Point Fort as a key tourist and heritage asset initiatives • Improvement and restoration of Clandeboye Avenue Traffic management • Information on walking trails and signage issues 3. A Connected, Safe and Secure Helen’s Bay and 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Crawfordsburn

Figure 3: Programmes, activities and service priorities • Improved road safety and speed warning signage throughout both village areas • Formalise parking (‘drop-off’ area) and pedestrian During the consultation people were asked about the High Road Safety / Traffic Management crossing in planning of proposed new primary school key issues impacting on the local area as well as the priority types of activities, programmes or services they would • Reduction of the speed limit on Ballyrobert Road like to see in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn (Figure 3). • Resurfacing of minor, access and connecting roads This is to ensure the village plan includes actions that go Village Appearance across both villages beyond those relating to the physical environment or infrastructure improvements within the local area. • Improve the quality, surface, and maintenance of key footpaths The top two priorities relate to introducing initiatives Community Facilities • Access to Helen’s Bay Train Station including park to help address road safety concerns, reduce speed and ride and improve traffic management across the village areas. Residents also believe more could be done to • Helen’s Bay Train Station – maintenance and upkeep improve the appearance of both villages and increase Additional Shops/Business units • Improved management of Fort Road car park the range and type of community events that are • Craigdarragh Road/A2 traffic light extension to available throughout the year Ballymoney Road Consultee's were asked to rank the issues affecting Facilities for Younger People • Restricted parking and management of loading bay the local community (Figure 4), again road safety was ranked first followed by village appearance, then community facilities in third place. Tourism and Heritage Services

Low Sports and Leisure Facilities priority

Figure 4: Priorities for Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn

18 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 19 5.2 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN – It also details the actions people wish to see delivered ‘AT A GLANCE’ over the next five years in terms of infrastructure, 6 Detail of Village Projects facilities and local services. The Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn infographic summarises the key findings and issues emerging from OUTCOME 1: 1.1.4 Community/village participation in awards the community consultation. In addition to highlighting HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN – (all areas) positive aspects about living in the local area the ACHIEVING ITS FULL POTENTIAL infographic summarises the key concerns of residents. Across Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn a great deal of voluntary effort is provided to ensure the local areas 1.1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SERVICES benefit from planting schemes, flower displays and greenery. Volunteers also ensure these are maintained • 97% Rated Quality of Life as Good 1.1.1 Community activities and programmes for young and the area remains attractive and litter free. people (all areas) At a Glance • 42% Rated Quality of Facilities as Good This action proposes that the community actively Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn are areas which have • 45% Rated Quality of Services as Good consider and apply for a range of community awards to an older population. Indeed, the average age is recognise this effort and the impact it has on the local 51 years old, with only 16% of the population being area. Key Issues aged 15 years or under. Good neighbours, sense of community, walks, forest 1.1.5 Community events and information sharing path, railway, proximity to Belfast and Bangor, natural Comments focused on the need to support local clubs Best Part of Living (all areas) surroundings, coast, peaceful, beaches, views, and groups to provide a greater range of programmes in Helen’s Bay Crawfordsburn Inn, friendly and safe, country park, and activities for young people. In addition, many and Crawfordsburn: There is already a wide range of local community 1. Road Safety the people, landscape, golf club, outdoors, shops and people feel there is a lack of youth friendly facilities in activities and events taking place throughout the year. restaurants, local school, clean air and environment the local area, which can result in young people having These are linked to sports and recreation, natural nowhere to go in the evening or during school holidays. heritage, history, church and community fun activities. A focused needs assessment with young people in the Opportunities may arise for additional events and 1. Road Safety Measures area will be undertaken to understand the range of activities. There are existing communication channels, 2. Litter and Dog Fouling activities and programmes to be delivered. including the local newsletter, Bayburn Life, and 2. Village Appearance community noticeboards which can be further used, Top 5 Physical 1.1.2 Community education programmes (all areas) 3. Community Facilities along with social media. Improvements: Those consulted highlighted a need for a greater range 4. Additional Shops / Business Units 3. Community Safety of programmes and activities to be offered locally. 1.2 COMMUNITY SAFETY 5. Facilities for Young People This includes hobby and recreational type programmes 1.2.1 Address anti-social behaviour and low-level crime which can help with social isolation. There is interest (all areas) in further information and support to encourage 4. Anti-Social Behaviour 1. Traffic Management volunteering by people living in the local area. Those consulted reported an increasing occurrence of anti-social behaviour and low-level crime in the local 2. Road Safety Initiatives The actual range of programmes to be delivered area especially during the summer months. Whilst Top 5 Service Delivery 3. Programmes to Improve Local Area will be determined through further engagement recognising the positive impact of the summer tourist Improvements: with local people and groups across both Helen’s trade there are specific concerns about the issues 4. Community Events Bay and Crawfordsburn. In addition, sharing of 5. Drug and Alcohol a large influx of people can cause, such as increased information about what is happening in the local Abuse 5. Environmental Initiatives littering, street drinking and anti-social behaviour. area is required to support people's participate in community-based activities. The multi-agency partnership which brings together Priority Action: Station Square in Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn Glen Masterplan representatives of the Northern Ireland Environment 1.1.3 Outreach of key community services (all areas) Agency, the PSNI, Translink, the Council and the residents association to tackle anti-social behaviour Although access to places such as Bangor, Belfast and by visitors to the Crawfordsburn Country Park is Newtownards is generally considered good, anyone welcomed, and its continuing activities are supported. without private transport or who experiences mobility issues can find accessing key services difficult. Therefore, the provision of services is a concern for the community and will be a continuing focus over the next five years of the village plan. Those consulted highlighted a need for the outreach of community support services, advice organisations, education and employment support. An assessment of the current services available in the local area as well as services people would like to see will be the first stage in taking forward this action.

20 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 21 Priority Project OUTCOME 2: 2.1.3 Crawfordsburn Glen Masterplan OUTCOME 3: 3.2 IMPROVED ROADS AND ACCESS A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE HELEN’S BAY AND There is a need to develop an overarching ‘masterplan’ A CONNECTED, SECURE AND SAFE HELEN’S BAY 3.2.1 Resurfacing of minor, access and connecting roads CRAWFORDSBURN which sets out a programme of improvement works AND CRAWFORDSBURN (all areas) for Crawfordsburn playpark and linked riverside walk 2.1 SPORTS AND RECREATION (nature reserve). The masterplan will provide an overall 3.1 ROAD SAFETY AND TRAFFIC CALMING Consultation has shown that many roads in the village are in a poor state of repair, with potholes and uneven 2.1.1 Resurface Helen’s Bay tennis courts (Helen’s Bay) vision and theme for delivering improvement works to the playpark, nature area and riverside walk to be 3.1.1 Road safety and traffic calming measures (all areas) surfaces being commonplace. It is suggested that a full roads conditioning assessment is undertaken Helen’s Bay Tennis Club caters for players of all ages delivered over the lifetime of the village plan. Excessive speeding through Helen’s Bay and across both Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn and a and operates from council-owned premises located Crawfordsburn and the surrounding routes is a key prioritised programme of remedial works developed off Fort Road. A number of teams are regularly entered 2.1.4 Improvement and restoration of Clandeboye concern for residents. Those consulted recommended for future delivery. into the Belfast and district leagues and a variety of Avenue (all areas) calming measures at key entry/exit points and tournaments are held throughout the year. Over 100 throughout the village areas. This could include Clandeboye Avenue is a tranquil woodland walk which 3.2.2 Improve the quality, surface and maintenance of junior players are coached there every year. the incorporation of speed warning signage, speed links Helen’s Bay to Crawfordsburn and beyond. key footpaths (all areas) As a well-used facility that schedules club sessions However, this route requires improvements along key limit restrictions, speed humps, and if required, the all year round, resurfacing of the three existing tennis stretches. An updated assessment of Clandeboye narrowing of the carriageway/road through the use Following consultation with the local community, courts is required. An assessment of tennis courts Avenue is being undertaken to note any access issues, of build-outs or chicanes. a programme of footpath improvement works to identify across the council area by Ards and North Down surface condition, signage, bridge condition and any and prioritise problematic footpaths in the local area is Borough Council also recognised the need for the areas requiring clearance (that may have become 3.1.2 Street lighting (all areas) to be agreed with the local community in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure. This will seek to tennis courts to be resurfaced. overgrown). This could also examine the opportunity Consultees requested that the quality of street lighting address the poor condition of many existing footpaths to provide pathways or connections to other walks across the local area could be improved. The need in the local area. 2.1.2 Development of tennis court clubhouse or areas (for example, Bridge Road South). for an assessement of current provision of street – feasibility study (Helen’s Bay) lighting, across the village and identification of any The assessment could firstly note the impact 3.2.3 Access to Helen’s Bay Train Station including ‘park improvements required. Consideration should be There is a need to undertake a feasibility study of remedial actions and improvements taken to date. and ride’ (Helen’s Bay) to determine the benefit of redeveloping the tennis Following this initial stage a detailed programme given to bespoke design of street lighting that fits clubhouse to improve facilities for users, whilst also of works should be developed to set out how key with the character of the local villages. The platforms at Helen’s Bay Station are presently providing wider community benefit. issues from the assessment can be addressed. accessed by an underpass with stairs at either end. 3.1.3 Reduction of speed limit, Ballyrobert Road This causes difficulties for passengers with mobility Groundworks and landscaping would also improve 2.1.5 Information on walking trails and signage (all areas) (Crawfordsburn) issues trying to access the southern Belfast-bound and better link the grass area between the existing platform. A suitable long-term solution to support A specific concern expressed through the public clubhouse and tennis courts. This would provide During the public engagement it was agreed that access to all platforms at the station must be meeting and survey was the current 60mph speed limit increased space and an outdoor recreational area improved information and signage in relation to walks identified. A lift or ramped access solution should along Ballyrobert Road. The existing 30mph restriction for tennis players and other users of the facility. and parks in the local area would be beneficial for both be examined, and a preferred option identified. The programme of works required to deliver residents and tourists. only applies some 100 metres from Crawfordsburn Main the redeveloped tennis clubhouse and associated Street, close to the petrol station. Reducing the speed The last village plan proposed that land within external landscaping could be considered as part In addition to the existing signs and historical limit along Ballyrobert Road from the current 60mph Clandeboye Estate, immediately south of the station, of the feasibility project, including improvements interpretation signage provided by the Bayburn History limit to 30mph and moving the village entrance sign to be converted to a park and ride facility. This was to to the playpark area. Society and the Council, signage should be installed to west of Red Bridge/Clandeboye Avenue could help to address the lack of all-day community parking available provide information on walking paths and routes at key ensure safety of pedestrians and road users. within the village, and the impact of parked cars at The final options to improve the facilities for users will sites throughout the local area. Further work should be Station Square and along footpaths on surrounding be developed and agreed with the local community. undertaken to agree the information to be presented 3.1.4 Formalise parking drop-off area and pedestrian streets. This remains a priority for the local community. and identify where best to locate the signage. The crossing in planning of proposed new primary school information presented could be around (Crawfordsburn) 3.2.4 Helen’s Bay Train Station – maintenance and local history, heritage and nature. upkeep (Helen’s Bay) A new primary school is proposed on the existing site. As part of the planning and development process, There is a need for general improvement works to residents wish to ensure safe access, parking and improve the appearance of the train station including drop-off points for school children are provided. the entrance, platforms and repainting the underpass. A formal layby/drop off area could be included in In the past, local school children had been involved in the plans, to enable the safe drop off and pick up of designing artwork which was displayed at the station. children. There may also be scope to create additional Some residents also suggested that the underpass parking in the Glen Park. could be used to display work from local artists, or local artists could be commissioned to design a piece of work In addition, to address pedestrian safety concerns, for the underpass. a controlled pedestrian crossing should be proposed in the development of the new school. This crossing 3.2.5 Management of Fort Road car park (Helen’s Bay) would improve road safety for pedestrians, in particular children attending the primary school. This is an action which has been carried forward from the previous village plan. Fort Road car park, located at the eastern end of Fort Road, is a Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)-owned facility which is well used by residents as well as walkers and visitors, particularly for the purposes of accessing the adjoining beach.

22 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 23 Access gates operated by NIEA staff (installed for 4.1.2 Employment and skills development (all areas) 5.1.2 Dog fouling and littering (all areas) and greenery. Increasing the frequency of replanting appropriate reasons in response to issues of anti-social would maximise the floral display throughout the Employment, growing the local economy and supporting A key concern expressed by consultees is the behaviour and driving) can sometimes restrict access at year. The local community wishes to ensure that any job opportunities is an important issue for the local area. prevalence of dog fouling across the local area. This certain parts of the day, for example early mornings. improvements to street furniture and streetscape are This action seeks to support the delivery of programmes could be addressed via the installation of additional delivered in keeping with the character of each village. This action advocates that the management issues in partnership with statutory agencies and community bins along key walking routes, supported by adequate relating to the Fort Road car park are re-examined and voluntary sectors to increase employability and enforcement and education. The local community 5.1.5 Community consultation on proposed village by engaging with the local community on the most entrepreneurship amongst key groups (young adults, also wishes to see an increase in the provision of bins developments (all areas) efficient way to manage the facility to the benefit of unemployed etc). throughout the village, including bins allowing for the the wider community. recycling of materials. A programme of works to replace The community recognises that Helen’s Bay and This will require a strategic approach, involving all key old and broken bins should also be undertaken. Crawfordsburn are subject to ongoing change and are stakeholders (statutory, private and community), to 3.2.6 Craigdarragh Road traffic light extension supportive of developments that are in keeping with the focus on supporting skills, employment and attracting (Helen’s Bay) character of the local area. Community consultation on investment to the local area. proposed village developments going forward will help One of the key approach routes to Helen’s Bay is the to ensure the character and identity of the local area is Craigdarragh Road, which experiences high volumes 4.1.3 Loaf Pottery (Crawfordsburn) preserved. of traffic. The traffic lights at its southern end enable The former Pinewood Pottery in Crawfordsburn Belfast and Bangor bound traffic to exit the Craigdarragh The proposed development at the Country Club in has been renovated by the NOW Group into an arts Road safely onto the A2. Traffic light sequencing works particular, should be sympathetic to the character and centre and cafe. The NOW Group is a social enterprise efficiently in relation to the traffic requirements of the heritage of Crawfordsburn, whilst retaining provision supporting people with learning difficulties and autism A2 and the Craigdarragh Road. However, traffic on of the existing playing field area and links to existing into jobs with a future. the Ballymoney Road returning to Helen’s Bay and walking paths. Crawfordsburn from the Craigantlet direction experiences Loaf Pottery will seek to secure jobs for local people Priority difficulty in turning right onto the A2 due to heavy traffic and artists to work alongside people living with 5.1.6 Feasibility study to determine improvement Project flowing in both directions. The traffic lights at the A2/ disabilities to develop skills that will increase their works at Station Square (Helen’s Bay) Craigdarragh Road junction should take account of peak employability. Using the model of safe spaces, NOW Station Square is a small courtyard area which demands at the A2/Ballymoney Road junction. will facilitate and support people with barriers to comprises a mix of commercial and residential buildings learning from the local communities and also introduce adjacent to Helen’s Bay Train Station. It is as a central 3.2.7 Restricted parking and management of loading bay people from urban areas into the coastal area. hub for the local community. It is a busy area used (Crawfordsburn) This action will seek to ensure that local groups, by people to access local shops and services as well An existing loading bay/layby along the lower section community networks and individuals are informed and as passengers using the train station. of the Ballyrobert Road is often used for all day parking. aware of the Loaf Pottery project and that they are This action commits to undertaking a feasibility study This results in large articulated trucks, making deliveries encouraged to support NOW’s work in helping people to identify options for improvement works at Station to the adjoining petrol station, parking up and blocking with learning difficulties and autism. 5.1.3 Improve appearance of land between village areas Square. This would focus on a phased programme a full lane of the Ballyrobert Road and bringing traffic (all areas) of works to improve the quality of Station Square within the village to a standstill. in terms of high quality surfacing throughout the full As was expressed in the 2013 village plan, the condition It is proposed that restrictions are placed on the OUTCOME 5: extent of the square, feature lighting, soft landscaping, of the large site along Bridge Road South remains use of this loading bay to facilitate deliveries during SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, bespoke street furniture and the formalising of existing a concern. Residents feel the current state of the site agreed times of the day, thus preventing inappropriate HISTORY AND HERITAGE IN HELEN'S BAY parking arrangements. is having a detrimental effect on the picturesque setting all day parking. AND CRAWFORDSBURN of both villages. 5.1.7 Develop Grey Point Fort as a key tourist and 5.1.1 Provision of gateway signage (all areas) A planning application was submitted over 18 months heritage asset (Helen’s Bay) ago to the Borough Council for a maximum of 15 OUTCOME 4: As identified in the 2013 village plan, there are a number As one of the best preserved coastal forts of the early dwellings on the side of the 21 Bridge Road South site SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY of key gateway locations considered to define the arrival 20th century, Grey Point Fort is located in Crawfordsburn nearer to Helen’s Bay. This is still under consideration. AND EMPLOYMENT IN HELEN'S BAY points into Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn. Country Park and houses a unique military museum. However, two public meetings and an additional AND CRAWFORDSBURN This action seeks to support the work of the NIEA, The first of the three gateways in Helen’s Bay is located questionnaire were arranged to obtain residents’ Grey Point Fort Amateur Radio Society and the Friends on the Craigdarragh Road approximately 100m south of views with a clear majority favouring the proposed of Grey Point Fort in their efforts to enhance the fort as 4.1 SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESS AND the Craigdarragh Road Railway Bridge, while the second development. Communication and community a visitor attraction and educational resource. Recent work ECONOMY is located on Bridge Road South, approximately 100m engagement with the local community should be completed by volunteers who open the facility to visitors south of the Bridge Road South Railway Bridge. The ongoing throughout this planning process to address 4.1.1 Engage with petrol station owners (Crawfordsburn) has included the restoration of the fort’s showpiece guns. third gateway has been identified at Helen’s Bay Railway any concerns regarding the proposed development and The convenience store located along the Ballyrobert Station. In Crawfordsburn, gateways are proposed on appearance of the local area. An opportunity exists to carry out environmental Road provides residents in Crawfordsburn with the Ballyrobert Road, Cootehall Road, Crawfordsburn improvements at the visitor arrival point. In the shorter day-to-day shopping and is a key service for the local Road and Bridge Road South before its junction with 5.1.4 Community planting schemes and street furniture term this includes the removal of existing graffiti and area. Recently this store has been acquired by the Ballyrobert Road. (all areas) resurfacing of the forecourt area, while longer-term Henderson Group. plans could include a new visitor centre with the In addition to gateway signage, artwork, planting, There is a desire to see a range of environmental potential to house a small commercial operator Historically the store has shared information on local lighting and other improvements at the village arrival improvements implemented across both villages to such as a cafe or craft shop. activities, events and programmes. This action focuses points should be considered. enhance the appearance of the locality. This could on ensuring the local community group engages with the include further planting to existing planters and the new owners of the petrol station to ensure continuing addition of new ones, flower beds, hanging baskets support for local community events and activities.

24 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 25 6.1 MAP OF HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN VILLAGE ACTIONS

HELEN’S BAY CRAWFORDSBURN

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A N H R GE ROAD SOUT O BRID 3.2.4 Helen’s Bay Train Station A 3.1.4 Formalise parking (‘drop-off’ D ! ! – maintenance and upkeep area) and pedestrian crossing ! in planning of proposed new 3.2.5 Management of Fort Road primary school B A car park L L Y R O B 3.2.7 Restricted parking and E R T AD O R R O management of loading bay RT A O B D F OUTCOME 5 – A LL

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C A R N OUTCOME 4 – U ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY R H O C A AND HERITAGE IN HELEN’S BAY D SUPPORTING THE LOCAL GUARD AVENUE B COAST RIDGE ROAD B ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT AND CRAWFORDSBURN A

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AD Y O M IN HELEN’S BAY AND R H U G 5.1.6 Feasibility study to determine LL A R AN CRAWFORDSBURN AR D improvement works at R IG O A A

R D C Station Square 4.1.1 Engage with petrol station owners 5.1.7 Develop Grey Point Fort as B R ID G a key tourist and heritage asset 4.1.3 Loaf Pottery E R O AD D A O R D H A O AG R R LF ET AR O E D R G T IG S A N R I C A ! M !!

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Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland, Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland - © Crown Copyright and Database Right *Wider Village Projects — Location to be agreed

26 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 27 relevant action or project would be necessary. It is and these should be assessed against the overarching 7 Delivery of Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn important to note that the action plan should be used aims identified and added (or removed from) the action as a ‘live’ document to ensure progress is monitored plan where appropriate. Integrated Action Plan regularly and updated accordingly (see Appendix B). It is only natural that priorities may change over time or new projects and opportunities will arise in future, 7.1 INTRODUCTION 7.4 ACTION PLAN The key aim of the Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn The action plan links through to the outcomes of the Village Integrated Action Plan is to prioritise projects ‘Big Plan’. This ensures that the plan is set within the which the local community has identified as key to context of the wider strategic fit. progress. Included in the action plan is a priority for each The successful achievement of these actions will require project (high, medium and low) based on the demand input from a wide range of organisations across the expressed by the local community and likely impact it public, private and community sectors. A review of will have on the area. In terms of delivery, each project available funding streams will also be important on an has been allocated a short, medium or long-term ongoing basis to ensure that the actions in the plan are timeframe which relates to the following timescales: implemented and that Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn • Short-term projects are those actions the community can achieve their long-term vision for the future. would like to see progressed within 18 months; 7.2 DELIVERY STRUCTURES • Medium-term refers to those projects which are to be taken forward within 18 months to three years; It is important that there are appropriate local structures in place to maintain a focus on delivering the • Long-term actions would be delivered over the next plan and tracking its progress. This will ensure actions three to five years. to be progressed by the local community are delivered, As previously highlighted, this action plan reflects the but also provide a mechanism to ensure actions led by ongoing development from the initial plan produced in statutory partners or other stakeholders are kept ‘live’ April 2013. Some actions have been ‘carried over’ into and progress reported on a regular basis. this revised plan, other actions have been amended to It is proposed that a local steering group should be reflect the progress achieved (or changing need), whilst established with the support of Ards and North Down other actions will be new. Therefore, the action plan Borough Council. The key focus for this group will be includes the following indicators: on the delivery of the village action plan. The steering • Existing action: an action which has been included group will monitor and report on progress, whilst (in full) from the original April 2013 plan; also consider any issues which may impact (or delay) the successful completion of actions within the plan, • Amended action: an action included in the original ensuring accountability across all stakeholders. April 2013 plan which has been amended or changed for the revised plan (due to changing needs or the To support delivery of the action plan a monitoring action has partially been delivered); framework has been included in Appendix B. This will allow the local steering group to agree priorities, identify • New action: an action which was not included in the key actions, oversee delivery, track progress and report April 2013 plan. on achievements over the lifetime of the village plan. The action plan is structured around the five key outcomes of the Big Plan for Ards and North Down. 7.3 SUPPORTING DELIVERY OF THE PLAN As part of the Big Plan an initial set of indicators has There is a wide range of funding sources available from been identified to measure progress towards each the public, charitable and corporate sectors that can outcome – these are the ‘Agreed indicators’. In addition, help the local community maximise opportunities to there is a series of indicators currently being progressed deliver their village plan. Notable funding bodies and for which data is not yet available or robust enough – organisations include the Big Lottery Fund, Community these are the ‘Indicators to be developed’. In the Helen’s Foundation for Northern Ireland, Children in Need, Comic Bay and Crawfordsburn Village Action Plan the ‘Success Relief and Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. indicator’ column links each action to an indicator (either agreed or to be developed) from the Big Plan. The keys However, the eligibility criteria, application process, focus used for each outcome and indicator are included in and money available will be specific to each funder and Table 2. individual programmes. Each village will be supported, where appropriate, by Ards and North Down Borough In addition, the action plan identifies the stakeholders, Council’s Regeneration, Development and Planning including the lead partner, whose involvement in the Directorate and any other relevant council departments, and include support on how to track and identify suitable sources of funding available in Northern Ireland.

28 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 29 7.5 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN INTEGRATED VILLAGE ACTION PLAN (2018–2023) OUTCOME 3: A CONNECTED, SECURE AND SAFE HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN

OUTCOME 1: HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN – ACHIEVING ITS FULL POTENTIAL Plan Timescale Action Lead Success Action Area Description Stakeholders Reference (S, M, L)* Status Partner(s) Indicators

Plan Timescale Action Lead Success Action Area Description Stakeholders Reference (S, M, L)* Status Partner(s) Indicators Road safety and traffic calming ANDBC, 3.1.1 M Existing DFI Roads measures HBCRA

Community activities and CDRCN, EA, 1.8, 2.4, All 1.1.1 S Amended HBCRA ANDBC, programmes for young people ANDBC 2.6, 3.6 All 3.1.2 Street lighting M New Dfi Roads 3.1 Road HBCRA HBCRA, Safety Community education 1.3, 1.5, 4.1, 1.1.2 M New HBCRA CDRCN, EA, and Traffic Reduction of speed limit – ANDBC, programmes 4.7 3.1.3 S/M Existing DfI Roads local colleges Calming Ballyrobert Road HBCRA

ANDBC, Formalise parking (‘drop-off’ 3.2, 5.7 Craw- 1.1 Community Outreach of key community CDRCN, CAB, area) and pedestrian crossing in ANDBC, 1.1.3 M New HBCRA 1.4, 2.3, 2.4 fords- 3.1.4 S/M New EA, DFI Engagement services HSCT, Advice planning of proposed new primary HBCRA burn and Services NI etc school

Community village participation ANDBC, Resurfacing of minor, access and ANDBC, 1.1.4 S Amended HBCRA 1.8, 4.2, 4.5 3.2.1 S Amended DFI Roads in awards CDRCN connecting roads HBCRA All HBCRA, Improve the quality, surface and ANDBC, Community events and CDRCN 3.2.2 S Amended DFI Roads 1.1.5 M Amended HBCRA 1.4, 1.8, 2.4 maintenance of key footpaths HBCRA information sharing Community Groups DFI Roads, Access to Helen’s Bay Train Station 3.2.3 L Existing Translink ANDBC, PSNI, HBCRA, including park and ride 1.2 Multi- ANDBC HBCRA Address anti-social behaviour 5.11 Community All 1.2.1 S Amended Agency Translink, 3.3, 3.4 and low-level crime 3.2 Improved Safety P’ship Comm Safety Helen’s Bay Train Station – HBCRA, Roads and 3.2.4 S/M Amended Translink P’ship, NIEA maintenance and upkeep ANDBC Access

Helen's ANDBC, 3.2.5 Management of Fort Road car park S Existing NIEA 1.8, 4.5 Bay HBCRA

OUTCOME 2: A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Craigdarragh Road traffic light ANDBC, 3.2.6 M/L Existing DFI Roads extension HBCRA 3.2 Plan Timescale Action Lead Success ANDBC, shop Action Area Description Stakeholders Restricted parking and Reference (S, M, L)* Status Partner(s) Indicators 3.2.7 M Amended DFI Roads /business management of loading bay owners

Resurface Helen’s Bay tennis 2.1.1 S Existing ANDBC HTC 2.4, 1.8, 4.5 courts Helen's Bay Development of tennis Helen's Bay 1.3, 1.6, 1.8, 2.1.2 M New ANDBC HTC OUTCOME 4: SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT IN HELEN'S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN clubhouse – feasibility study 2.4

Craw- 2.1 Sport and Success fords- 2.1.3 Crawfordsburn Glen Masterplan M Amended ANDBC HBCRA Plan Timescale Action Lead Recreation Action Area Description Stakeholders Indicators burn 1.8, 2.4, Reference (S, M, L)* Status Partner(s) 4.5, 5.4, *** Improvement and restoration of HBRCA, 5.7 2.1.4 M Existing ANDBC Clandeboye Avenue Translink Private - Engage with petrol station 4.1.1 S New HBCRA businesses, 1.8 All owners Information on walking trails and HBCRA, DfI local residents 2.1.5 M Amended ANDBC 2.4, 4.5 All signage Roads, NIEA 4.1 Support 1.5, 4.1, 4.3, for Local - Employment and skills CDRCN, EA, 4.1.2 M New ANDBC 4.6, 4.7, Business and development local colleges 4.8 Economy Craw- ANDBC, fords- 4.1.3 - Loaf Pottery S/M New HBCRA 1.8 CDRCN burn

30 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 31 The ‘Big Plan’ Outcomes Agreed (Success) Indicators (Success) Indicators to be Developed OUTCOME 5: SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY AND HERITAGE IN HELEN'S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN

1.1 Gap between % of non-free school meal 1.4 Number of older people living independently Success entitlement school leavers and % FSME or in care i.e. having the correct support to Plan Timescale Action Lead Action Area Description Stakeholders Indicators school leavers achieving level 2 or above allow them to live as they wish Reference (S, M, L)* Status Partner(s) (In English and Maths) *** 1.5 Breakdown of types of skills and OUTCOME 1 1.2 Percentage of babies born at low birth weight different demographics who are engaged in further education DFI Roads, 5.1.1 - Provision of gateway signage S New ANDBC All people in Ards and North Down 1.3 Number of further education regulated HBCRA fulfil their lifelong potential enrolments by age 1.6 % of children at appropriate stage of development in the immediate preschool year DFI Roads, 5.1.2 - Dog fouling and littering S Existing ANDBC 1.7 % of schools found to be good or better HBCRA 1.8 Number of people formally and - Improve appearance of land Private 1.8, 2.4, informally volunteering 5.1.3 M Amended ANDBC All between village areas Developers 4.2, 4.4, 5.4, 5.7 2.1 Number of anti-depressant drug items 2.4 % of the population participating in - Community planting schemes ANDBC, local dispensed per head of registered population exercise (sports and physical activity) 5.1 Improved 5.1.4 S/M New HBCRA and street furniture businesses OUTCOME 2 one, three or five times per week Village 2.2 Number of admissions to hospital per 100,000 Appearance All people in Ards and North Down - Community consultation HBCRA, local for drugs or alcohol-related causes 2.5 Monitoring of extent of long-term enjoy good health and wellbeing health conditions such as diabetes 5.1.5 on proposed village S Amended ANDBC residents, 2.3 Number of preventable deaths developments developers per 100,000 population 2.6 GHQ12 scores as a measure of mental health DFI Roads, - Feasibility study to determine Translink, 5.1.6 improvement works at Station S New ANDBC 1.8, 5.11 3.1 Number of hospital admissions due to accidents 3.5 % of the population who feel HBCRA, Square OUTCOME 3 safe in their community Helen's utilities 3.2 Number of road traffic casualties per 10,000 Bay All people in Ards and North Down 3.6 Opportunities for children to be 3.3 Number of recorded crime offences - Develop Grey Point Fort as a HBCRA, 1.8, 4.2, live in communities where they are involved in shared education 5.1.7 S/M Amended DfC key tourist and heritage asset ANDBC 4.4, 4.5 respected, safe and feel secure 3.4 Number of recorded anti-social behaviour crime offences

4.1 Working age population – skill levels 4.5 Breakdown of visitors to local tourism facilities, public parks, nature and historic sites Abbreviations: *Timescales: 4.2 GVA – Value of Estimate (£m) – Ards and North Down 4.6 Breakdown of wages by sector e.g. tourism, ANDBC – Ards and North Down Borough Council S – Short (0–18 months), OUTCOME 4 arts and crafts, agri-food, technology etc. 4.3 Proportion of working age population CDRCN – County Down Rural Community Network M – Medium (18 months – 3 years), All people in Ards and North who are economically inactive (%) 4.7 A skills barometer – matching skills of people Down benefit from a prosperous DfC – Department for Communities L – Long (3–5 years) to businesses and a better jobs index economy 4.4 Total spend (£m) during overnight trips DfI – Department for Infrastructure 4.8 Breakdown of people who are economically **Actions Status: inactive and proportions of those who don’t EA – Education Authority want to work HBCRA – Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Residents Existing – An action which was included Association in the March 2013 plan 5.1 Number of applicants on 5.3 Availability of good broadband and mobile HSCT – Health and Social Care Trust Amended – An action which has been updated Social Housing Stress list phone coverage or changed since the March plan NIEA – Northern Ireland Environment Agency 5.2 Area of pollinator friendly plants by Ards 5.4 Number of people in urban areas who New – A new action (not included in March 2013 plan) and North Down Borough Council (m2) live within 1km of quality green space PSNI – Police Service of Northern Ireland 5.5 Number of designated sites in favourable condition and number of buildings at risk Success indicators 5.6 Number of biodiversity audits (habitat and This is an indication of how individual actions may OUTCOME 5 species surveys) undertaken on publicly contribute to the overall Big Plan. NB: these indicators owned land may change and evolve over time. All people in Ards and North Down feel pride from having access 5.7 Length of greenways, walking routes, to a well-managed sustainable canoe trails and cycle paths environment 5.8 Extent of coastal changes and the economic social and environmental impacts

5.9 Reporting of invasive species on publicly owned/managed land

5.10 % of energy from renewable sources (generated or used within Ards and North Down)

5.11 Investment in and use of transport infrastructure (private and public)

NB: these indicators may change and evolve over time.

32 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 33 8 Appendices Question 4 & 5: How many people, including yourself, are there in your household in each of the following age groups? Number in Household APPENDIX A. COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS Age Group Not 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+ Anwsered The summary results from all questions included in the community survey for Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn have been provided in this appendix. Male ------66 0–4 Female 1 ------65 Question 1: How long have you lived in the local area? Male 4 3 ------59 5–17 Female 5 5 ------56 Less than 1 year 1.5% Male 9 ------57 1-3 years 10.6% 18–35 Female 2 ------64 3-5 years 4.5% Male 8 ------58 36–50 5-10 years 7.6% Female 12 ------54 10+ 75.7% Male 9 1 ------56 51–65 Do not currently live Female 13 ------53 in the local area Male 33 ------33 Not answered 65+ Female 29 ------37 0% 50 people asked 100% Note: The number of people in each household has been presented according to age and gender. For example, in ‘Age Group 0–4’ there are 12 households with one male child, and 17 households with one female child. Seven households have two male children Question 2: What is your age? aged 0–4 and one household has four male children aged 0–4.

Under 16 years old Question 6: Overall, taking all into consideration how would you… 17-25 years old 4.6% 6.1 Rate the quality of life in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn 26-39 years old 7.6% Good 40-59 years old 15.1% 97% Neither Good 60+ years old 72.7% 3% nor Bad Not answered Bad 0% 50 people asked 100% Not Answered

0% 64 people asked 100% Question 3: What is your employment status?

6.2 Rate the quality of facilities in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Self employment 7.6% Working (part time) 10.6% Good 42.4% Working (full time) 21.2% Neither Good 46% Unemployed nor Bad Retired 57.6% Bad 9% Training/College/ 1.5% Not Answered 1.5% University 0% 31 people asked 100% Permanent Sick/ Disabled 6.3 Rate the quality of services in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Not Answered 1.5%

0% 50 people asked 100% Good 45.5% Neither Good 48.5% nor Bad Bad 4.6% Not Answered 1.5%

0% 32 people asked 100%

34 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 35 Question 7: What do you feel is the best thing about living in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Question 8: What is the key issue that needs to be addressed in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn? If you have ideas on how this issue should be addressed please let us know.

• The woodland walks and the • Access to walks, trains and • Close access to country park. • Cleaner underpass to the train • Gridlock in Crawfordsburn village Locals feel threatened by influx beach are really handy. proximity to Belfast and City • Peace and quiet. station. caused by parking on both sides of people coming on train from Airport. of Main Street. Belfast. • Good village atmosphere • Access to coastal pathway and • The lack of access to platform two and good transport. • Peaceful, good neighbours, nice forest park. Quiet environment. unless by stairs. • Shop in the Helen's Bay village or • Under-investment in local walks. coffee shop. facilities. • It's all good! • Bus and train service. • Glass and litter left on the beach • Safe from criminals, peaceful, by visitors in the summer time. • [21 Bridge Road South] – eyesore • Absence of buses in Helen's Bay. • Good neighbours and sense • Golf club, restaurants. of community. beautiful scenery. • Traffic speed. when everywhere else is clean • No access for disabled to Belfast • Lovely location, beach, • Peace and quiet and nearby and friendly. platform. • Pleasant semi-rural environment country park. • Car parking around railway with good road and rural links. beaches. station. The square used to be • Beach crowded in summer. • The play park. • Country park. • Setting. • Village feeling, close proximity used by visitors and ramblers • No cafe. • A pavement from park to the to beach and country park. • Train. wishing to walk around Helen's • Waterfall path at country park beach. • Quality of the surrounding Bay and walk up the Ulster Way. It • Rural life. • Safe. closed. • Improved public realm. environment - peaceful, settled has now become a parking area • The community – friendly and • Loss of village feel by additional neighbourhood, sense of safety, • Space, peace and people. for commuters using the trains • Speed on Craigdarragh Road. supportive of local initiatives. living. beautiful and accessible natural • The walks. who leave their cars parked for • Double yellow lines on side of surroundings. • Neighbours and natural • Proximity to coastal path walks. the day and overflow into Church • Traffic speed and parking. Crawfordsburn Inn. More parking • Proximity to the beach. You are landscape. Road, etc. • The community atmosphere in • The speed of traffic through – country club area. Remove in the countryside but only 10 • Lovely villages with all the beautiful surroundings. • Parking in both villages. Helen's Bay village, bridge. country club building – a new minutes from Belfast. facilities required plus beaches country club and facilities. • Views of the sea, country park, • Speed limits on the roads – • Resolving the former [name • Proximity to the coast. Quiet area. and country park to enjoy. beach, public transport. Ballyrobert Road especially. removed] property and lands. • Speed limits going through • Good community feeling. Pretty • Peaceful and quiet. Helen's Bay and approaching • The environment. • Traffic – speed! • Reinstate Crawfordsburn railway countryside. • Situation – close to the sea, halt. Crawfordsburn. • A safe and friendly community • Need for stronger sense of • Quiet, peaceful area. Good but within easy reach of Holywood • Lack of affordable housing. in a lovely location, with good community – people do not • Reinstate bus stop near 191 neighbours. Easy access to and Belfast. rail links. engage with each other. Crawfordsburn Road. • Public realm project in Station country areas and Belfast Lough. • A relaxed village to live in Square to improve parking and • Its locality to both the coast and • Maintenance of roadside hedges. • [Name removed] farm • Greenery, walks, wildlife, proximity (Helen's Bay). access for elderly. the park. Spraying of footpaths/kerbs with development. to work/city and yet feels rural. • Beach and country park. weed killer. • Footpaths for youngsters to walk • Proximity to Belfast and airport – • Parking for train in Helen's Bay. • The wonderful walks. • Proximity to coastal path between houses and facilities rail connections. • Speeding. • Lack of parking in the evenings and beaches. safely. • Location of the lough, the forest • Parking outside the Inn. and early mornings. • Coastal walks and good quality. • Crawfordsburn looks good. path and railway station. Close • Shop and local pub in Helen's Bay. to both Bangor and Belfast. • Lack of significant air pollution. • Traffic congestion in Helen's Bay looks mediocre. Crawfordsburn Main Street. Road safety and traffic • Access to nature and proximity • Peace and tranquillity. Coastal management. • Speed of traffic from Ballyrobert. • Main Street parking in to Bangor/Belfast. Safe. path/beach/park. • Speed of traffic through both Crawfordsburn. There will be • Parking in the square appears to • Location – quiet, friendly area. Helen's Bay and Crawfordsburn. • Generally quiet and lovely walks! a major accident one day. be problem. I also feel the general • Beach/train are a great aesthetics of the village could • Speed of cars through village of • Beach, golf, train. • Speed on Ballyrobert Road – advantage. be greatly enhanced with some Helen's Bay. • The community spirit and inequitable with east side of improvements to planting and neighbourliness. • Friendly community. village and Helen's Bay. Reduces • Car park for train station. signage. • Not sure. • Good air by the seaside. quality of life for 50+ residents • Road safety, Fort Road. • Speed of traffic through • Crawfordsburn Country Park. on this stretch. • No community centre. I have lived • Location, location, location. Crawfordsburn village. • Conditions of roads and • Country park, coastal path, beach, • Rail link to Bangor and Belfast. in Helen's Bay over 10 years and pavements. • Lack of footpaths – Craigdarragh/ hardly know people. The golf club good public transport. • Proximity to sea, beautiful Fort Road contamination surface • Local population taking ownership seem only place to meet. • Village life – beach and country park. Village appearance of water drains and sewage. Crawfordsburn, good village shop. of common areas and feeling • Refurbishment of Crawfordsburn park and regular train service. • Crowd control on 'sunny' days. Well-kept inn with good food and sense of community. Country Club (key part of the • Peaceful and good walking areas. friendly staff. • Litter. • Speed of traffic on Bridge Road. character of Crawfordsburn). Country park. • The natural environment of the • Local traffic speed limits. • Ski slope will need resurfacing • Road safety. • The beach and the handiness of beach, country park and coastal after new property development. the train station to both Bangor, • Sparse bus service • Traffic on Ballyrobert Road – path. • Station square parking. not big enough 30mph. Belfast and other towns in • Buses. Local access to Holywood, Northern Ireland. • Near to the railway station. Bangor. • Double yellow lines to be extended • Parking outside Old Inn – pain as Bridge Road by Station Square. holds up traffic. • Neill Wine. • Having the beach and country • General store in or near station park on our doorstep. • Coastal path/country park/railway square. • Resurfacing tennis courts. • Old Country Club – eyesore. access. • Train service. • Speeding vehicles. • Unacceptable bad behaviour • Parking in Crawfordsburn. during summer or hot days. Young • Feeling of country living but close • Golf club and hotel and local • Serious traffic speeds need • Housing. families could not enjoy beach. to city. shops. curtailed.

36 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 37 Question 9: Please respond to the following statements regarding the facilities and 9.4 I access and use community facilities or services on a weekly basis services available in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn…. 9.1 I am not aware of the range of services and facilities available in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Strongly Agree 10.6% Agree 31.8% Strongly Agree 1.5% Neither agree/ 22.7% Agree 21.2% disagree Neither agree/ 22.7% Disagree 25.8% disagree Strongly Disagree 7.6% 37.9% Disagree Not Answered 1.5% Strongly Disagree 15.1% 0% 21 people asked 100% Not Answered 1.5%

0% 25 people asked 100% 9.5 Services and facilities in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn are reflective of local needs

9.2 I feel that there is sufficient information about the services and facilities available in Helen’s Bay and Strongly Agree 3% Crawfordsburn Agree 25.7% Neither agree/ 48.5% Strongly Agree 9% disagree Agree 27.3% Disagree 16.7% Neither agree/ 28.8% Strongly Disagree 4.6% disagree Not Answered 1.5% Disagree 27.3% Strongly Disagree 1.5% 0% 32 people asked 100% Not Answered 6% 9.6 I feel community facilities are of a high standard and meet local needs 0% 19 people asked 100%

Strongly Agree 3% 9.3 I find accessing services in Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn difficult and rarely use them Agree 22.7% Neither agree/ 48.5% Strongly Agree 1.5% disagree Agree 12.1% Disagree 18.2% Neither agree/ 25.8% Strongly Disagree 4.6% disagree Not Answered 3% Disagree 44% Strongly Disagree 13.6% 0% 32 people asked 100% Not Answered 3%

0% 29 people asked 100%

38 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 39 Question 10: A number of issues that may affect the local area are listed below - please respond to each of Question 12: In terms of community services, programmes or activities please mark the ones that the issues listed as to whether you feel it is of 'No Concern' , 'Some Concern' or 'Major Concern'. you feel should be prioritised for Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn. Please select a maximum of 3.

Employment/Jobs Advice services 10.41% Anti Social Behaviour for residents/ community issues Social Isolation Sport & recreation 16.67% Broadband facilities Litter, Dog Fouling Health and 18.18% Education & Training Wellbeing Activities Drug & Alcohol Abuse Activities for 18.18% Young People Facilities for Older People Activities for 19.7% Facilities for Younger People Older People Public Transport Environmental 21.21% Village Appearance initiatives Community Safety Community 21.21% Events Sport & Recreation Facilities Appearance of the 40.91% Community Facilities local area Road Safety Road safety 50% Housing Issues initiatives Access to Services Traffic 56.06% management issues 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 0% 60 people asked 100%

Major Concern Some Concern No Concern

Question 11: Please consider the following list and RANK IN ORDER OF PRIORITY with 1 being the MOST important issue you feel should be addressed through to 7, which is the LEAST important issues to address for Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn.

High Road Safety/Traffic Management priority

Village Appearance

Community Facilities

Additional Shops / Business Units

Facilities for Young People

Tourism and Heritage Services

Low Sports and Leisure Facilities priority

40 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 41 Question 13: Are there any other needs, issues or actions you would like to highlight or feel should be prioritised for • Specify need for new housing and more investment in the facilities a village that grew by accident Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn? opportunity sites. that do exist (e.g. the tennis and without a plan. It is a hotch • Station Square needs a mini courts) and activities in the church pot of buildings and junctions with • Bridle path and trees needs • Improve Helen's Bay station • Station Square needs a mini public realm project – that should halls (and the golf club?) poor sight lines. The appearance topped and trimmed. parking/cycle rack. public realm project – that should be the priority project for public • Seats in Station Square and top overall could be improved by • Signage on all road access to • Community centre. be the priority project for public expenditure for Helen's Bay. of Bridge Road. a blitz of planters everywhere and expenditure for Helen's Bay. renewed and maintained year both villages. • Better control of cyclists on the • Crawfordsburn Dam area needs to • Need footpaths on Craigdarragh round in much the same way as • Pick-up traffic control at the coastal path, i.e. showing respect • Crawfordsburn Dam area needs to be improved as a nature reserve – Road. be improved as a nature reserve – Holywood's planters are. Consider school for speed limit. that should be the priority project • Residents should cut overhanging that should be the priority project Holywood's floral displays! What • Lack of concern for recognised • ‘Soulless feel' to this area. for public expenditure hedges, obscuring street lights. for public expenditure is their secret? Why don't we talk village character. E.g. excessive for Crawfordsburn. • Fairly typical 'Ulster' area, for Crawfordsburn. • Please could the equipment at the to them and learn? housing plans in old country club, • Renovation of underpass at the obsessed with dog poo! park in Helen's Bay be upgraded • It is sad to see the site of and development proposal Bridge • Renovation of underpass at the train station. • Flowerbeds – Seahill and Bangor to reflect a wider age group. At Crawfordsburn Country Club in Road South which will ruin Helen's train station. gorgeous and ours awful. • The fence at the corner of the present the park would only suit such a bad condition. However Bay and Crawfordsburn! • The fence at the corner of the Square and Bridge Road beside children up to about the age of we would not like to see a lot • Public hedges need cut. Square and Bridge Road beside • Safer route for cycling between Bay Wines causes visibility six. Also, some extra seating. of houses built in its place, • Road surfaces poor quality – Bay Wines causes visibility Bangor, Crawfordsburn, Helen's problems for drivers coming out of A cricket/football pitch to as we do not feel the local some major potholes – motorbikes problems for drivers coming out Bay. A2 dual carriageway. the square. encourage community activities. amenities would cope. more likely to crash. of the square. • Parking should be restricted to • Broadband and mobile phone • There is sufficient space beside • The tennis courts need to be • Shop in Helen's Bay square. • Broadband and mobile phone only one side of the village. reception is very poor in tennis courts for a MUGA facility. resurfaced – they can be slippery reception is very poor in • A mirror on the Old Inn wall at • Coffee shop. Crawfordsburn and should be • Better bus service. when wet. They are a key resource Crawfordsburn and should be the bottom of Ballymullan Road, • Country park waterfall path still looked into. for both younger and older people. looked into. • Some people have difficulty using because it's a very busy and closed! • Turning filter on A2 into Helen's steps at station. • The bridge at Craigdarragh Road difficult junction. A mirror would • Turning filter on A2 into Helen's Bay. • The parking of cars at • During nice summer days, it is requires attention as vans and let drivers see oncoming traffic Bay. Crawfordsburn Inn side of the • Footpaths along Craigdarragh terrible to see the rubbish left lorries using the road to its full from the left. • Footpaths along Craigdarragh road when they could use car Road including at bus stop! behind on the beaches. extent and not giving priority to • Park and ride at Helen's Bay parks. Road including at bus stop! other road users. • Improve parking for train users. • 1. Resurfacing by the council of Station. Proposed in original • Improve parking for train users. • Some older and some disabled • More parking for Helen's Bay Helen's Bay tennis courts. • Parking for the station – no cars village plan 2013. people living in Helen's Bay cannot • More parking for Helen's Bay parking on the station square for railway station. • 2. Parking in Station Square • Road safety biggest issue – how use train because of difficulty railway station. the day. • Parking on Main Street in Helen's Bay and its appearance can we reduce HGVs, quarry getting up and down steps at • Parking on Main Street Crawfordsburn. – it is very hard for the elderly to • Local shops are closing business vehicles taking short cut through station. Have to pay for taxi which in Crawfordsburn. access the pharmacy. due to lack of space to park cars. village of Crawfordsburn – they makes it more difficult for them to • Keeping the footpaths clear • Keeping the footpaths clear • Would like to see Helen's Bay are not delivering to shop or communicate with locals. of weeds. • 3. Extend the 30mph speed limit of weeds. Golf Club offering the bar/dining hotel but passing through. In • Tennis court resurfacing on the Ballyrobert Road. • Coordinated management facilities to local residents without England/Southern Ireland villages • Tennis court resurfacing by by council. • Extend connections from the and supervision of anti-social prohibitive joining fees. A potential are protected from HGVs and council. Country Park to wider areas, e.g. behaviour and alcohol abuse by • Grey Point Fort enhancement social gathering place in locality. commuter rat runs by priority visitors during the summer season • Grey Point Fort enhancement as tourist facility. Clandeboye. • Signage for country park could chicanes/speed ramps/ban on and good weather days (police as tourist facility. • Improve cycle paths. lorries over 7.5 tonnes etc. Can we • Crawfordsburn Country Park be enhanced/improved. and Translink). • Crawfordsburn Country Park needs funding to put on events. • Playground improvements for preserve our village in the same • Good visibility for those entering • Road safety – during ice, the needs funding to put on events. older children. manner? • In the absence of a specific and exiting the Square, gritters only apply to Bridge Road Road safety – during ice, the community centre, there should be • Helen's Bay appears to be Helen's Bay. • Parking in Church Road near leaving Church Road/Fort Road gritters only apply to Bridge Road junction with Bridge Road and untreated. As this is where most leaving Church Road/Fort Road the Square. Many people park of the population resides this untreated. As this is where most and use the train to travel to is foolish. In fact the complete of the population resides this Belfast/Bangor. This is a growing triangle should be gritted. is foolish. In fact the complete issue and needs to be monitored. triangle should be gritted. • Ref 6.5 village plan, Sherman/ Parking on both sides of road in Crawford estate is privately • Ref 6.5 village plan, Sherman/ Crawfordsburn village = traffic owned, any plans must be Crawford estate is privately hazard. agreed with shareholders of SMC, owned, any plans must be • Action to clean up the mess made and not Helen's Bay Residents agreed with shareholders of SMC, by [name removed] on Bridge Association. This input was and not Helen's Bay Residents Road opposite the entrance to the spurious and should be removed Association. This input was country park. (no consultation with owners spurious and should be removed • We should enter for village for on planting trees, voted by (no consultation with owners 'Ulster in Bloom.' shareholders to remove). on planting trees, voted by shareholders to remove). • Exploit the efforts by David • Specify need for new housing and Cameron in the walled garden. opportunity sites.

42 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 43 Question 14: Please make any additional comments that you feel would help to develop a village plan for Helen’s APPENDIX B. TRACKING AND MONITORING TEMPLATE Bay and Crawfordsburn

• Improved cycle paths. parking Church Road. Road very untidy – needs replanted OUTCOME 1: HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN ACHIEVING ITS FULL POTENTIAL completely. • Crawfordsburn village signs should • Coffee shop required. Outcome Action Output/Indicator(s) Update on Actions/Outputs (date) Status be moved further out on the west • Builders getting permission to build • Station Square needs mini public side – Ballyrobert Road, to include more houses would spoil beauty of realm initiative – Helen's Bay public Community Provision of services aimed at Complete needs assessment with Completed needs assessment with Ongoing Engagement supporting engagement and older people / men. 112 older people (including 47 men) the existing residential footprint. expenditure project. (on track) area. (EXAMPLE) inclusion of older people and providing views (Nov 18) At least one new programme for • The only thing we really ask as • Crawfordsburn Dam nature reserve specifically older men • Resolution of the former [name older people ‘Good Morning Service’ established a community is greater social project – Crawfordsburn public and running for two months. (Dec removed] property eyesore! At least one new programme for engagement – people don't engage expenditure project. 18) • Two totally opposing views on the older men with each other. I wonder how tree issue in Shermon/Crawford • The proposed enhancement of Grey many people – particularly older 1.1 Community 1.1.1 Community activities and estate, how many residents from Point Fort by HED and LAG must Engagement programmes for young people people – suffer social isolation in this area are in the Helen's Bay proceed, creating a welcome centre our midst. and disabled toilet in the Guard 1.1.2 Community education and Crawfordsburn Residents programmes • Park and ride for Helen's Bay Association? House entrance, in partnership station. The surrounding streets with Fort Dunree in Donegal. There 1.1.3 Outreach of key services • Every new building etc. must have are overflowing. And something should be a brown sign on A2 at disabled entrance – please ensure to be done about the eyesore of the top of the Craigdarragh Road 1.1.4 Community village stations have the same. participation in awards the old country club – something telling visitors where the Fort is. • The Spar – 90 Ballyrobert Road, that will not add even more to the • Crawfordsburn Country Park 1.1.5 Community events and Crawfordsburn, provides a great information sharing congestion on Main Street. should be given funding by the service to the local community. • Find a way to regenerate NIEA for staffing to put on events. 1.2 Community 1.2.1 Address anti-social behaviour Given that there is now no grocery Safety and low level crime Crawfordsburn Country Club site. shop in Helen's Bay it is vital to • Whilst it is good to encourage Public/private cooperation. the local community that there tourism it has to be recognised that • New village sign east of continues to be a shop of this type some of the car parking is sited Clandeboye Avenue 'Welcome and standard. in residential areas. Restricting OUTCOME 2: A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN to Crawfordsburn please drive This is for a local plan not these car parks to opening and carefully 30mph'. Speed and a community plan. closing times must be adhered volume (~5,000 vehicles/day) to, to protect residents rights. Outcome Action Output/Indicator(s) Update on Actions/Outputs (date) Status • The proposed enhancement of Grey biggest quality of life issue for Leaving them open 24 hours would Point Fort by HED and LAG must 2.1 Sport and 2.1.1 Resurface Helen’s Bay tennis residents of Crawfordsburn. encourage anti-social behaviour Recreation courts proceed, creating a welcome centre and late night gatherings. • I am concerned by the invasion of and disabled toilet in the Guard 2.1.2 Development of tennis court day trippers during good weather. House entrance; in partnership • Housing is unaffordable for grown- clubhouse – feasibility study They are noisy and hazardous as with Fort Dunree in Donegal. There up children of local residents so 2.1.3 Crawfordsburn they walk on the road on the way should be a brown sign on the A2 they have to move away. Need for Glen Masterplan to the beach. Alcohol is evident more affordable housing. at the top of Craigdarragh Road 2.1.4 Improvement and restoration and when they go home they are telling visitors where the Fort is. • Groomsport has a village herb of Clandeboye Avenue often aggressive. There is not • Crawfordsburn Country Park basket, funded by volunteers. 2.1.5 Information on walking trails enough policing on days when management should be given There is a pair of scissors for and signage large numbers might be expected, greater funding by the NIEA for people to help themselves. This or when social media has been staffing and to put on events. would be a nice idea to emulate used to organise a large gathering here. of young people – i.e. 30/06 when • More informative signs for walkers • 1. More paths and safe cycling schools finish. in relation to distances and routes for local walks. routes, e.g. from the country park • Reduce the size and increase to the Ulster Way. the efficiency of a high spending • A welcome to Helen’s Bay sign at • 2. Make a project to enhance the council and consequently reduce the Craigdarragh Road along with Crawfordsburn Dam area. rates both business and domestic. enhanced planting to the existing shrub bed. Also more seasonal • 3. A public realm project for Station • Neighbour help scheme. bedding plants and baskets around Square in Helen's Bay. • Neighbourhood buying scheme. Oil, the village. • Good to learn that the pottery BB, logs etc. • There is talk of houses/flats being is coming back to life. • Dead vermin in house drive near built in the old country club site • The house at the end of the block station. and we would like to think that is empty and looking very sad. • Speed limit enforcement of 20mph the added volume of traffic if this • Lack of lights especially in winter – traffic calming urgently needed. happens has been dealt with! for walkers, especially school • This area is a 'dormitory' area • Parking/traffic regulated at Helen's children (after school) going home with nice woodland walks and Bay Square. and not being visible. beach when not crowded with day • Flower bed junction of • Please invest in proper car park trippers. Overcrowded car parking Craigdarragh Road and Bridge on forest side. at the square and pavement

44 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 45 OUTCOME 3: A CONNECTED, SECURE AND SAFE HELEN'S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Notes

Outcome Action Output/Indicator(s) Update on Actions/Outputs (date) Status

3.1 Road 3.1.1 Road safety and traffic Safety calming measures and Traffic Calming 3.1.2 Street lighting

3.1.3 Reduction of speed limit – Ballyrobert Road

3.1.4 Formalise parking (‘drop-off’ area) and pedestrian crossing in planning of proposed new primary school

3.2 Improved 3.2.1 Resurfacing of minor, access Roads and and connecting roads Access 3.2.2 Improve the quality, surface and maintenance of key footpaths

3.2.3 Access to Helen’s Bay Train Station including park and ride

3.2.4 Helen’s Bay Train Station – maintenance and upkeep

3.2.5 Management of Fort Road car park

3.2.6 Craigdarragh Road traffic light extension

3.2.7 Restricted parking and management of loading bay

OUTCOME 4: SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT IN HELEN'S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN

Outcome Action Output/Indicator(s) Update on Actions/Outputs (date) Status

4.1 Support 4.1.1 Engage with petrol station for Local owners Business and Economy 4.1.2 Employment and skills development

4.1.3 Loaf Pottery

OUTCOME 5: SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY AND HERITAGE IN HELEN'S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN

Outcome Action Output/Indicator(s) Update on Actions/Outputs (date) Status

5.1 Improved 5.1.1 Provision of gateway signage Village Appearance 5.1.2 Dog fouling and littering

5.1.3 Improve appearance of land between village areas

5.1.4 Community planting schemes and street furniture

5.1.5 Community consultation on proposed village developments

5.1.6 Feasibility study to determine improvement works at Station Square

5.1.7 Develop Grey Point Fort as a key tourist and heritage asset

46 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 HELEN’S BAY AND CRAWFORDSBURN Integrated Village Plan 2018-2023 47 Ards and North Down Borough Council Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT T: 0300 013 3333 E: [email protected] The Council extends its thanks to all who have contributed to this plan and looks forward to continued collaboration through the course of its delivery. If you would like any more information about this plan or how to get involved please get in touch.

This project was part-funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union