Ballynure Village Plan Contents
Acknowledgements 4
Abbreviations and Glossary 4
1.0 : Introduction 5
2.0 : Context 7
3.0 : Village Analysis 8
4.0 : Consultation 13
5.0 : Initiatives 14
6.0 : Action Plan 26
7.0 : Delivering the Village Plan 29
8.0 : Information Sources 30
9.0 : Appendix 1 - Village Meeting Publicity 32 Appendix 2 - Consultation Report 36
Ballynure Village Plan 3 Acknowledgements
allynure & District Community Association, wish We would like to thank VMS Consults Ltd for chairing to express sincere gratitude to all those who and facilitating the village meeting and for consulting Bcontributed to the preparation of the Ballynure extensively throughout the village. We also appreciate Village Plan. the support from GROW South Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s officers and Elected The Association would also like to thank those members Members for their encouragement at the various who came along to an initial meeting to discuss how to consultation meetings and for their welcome input take forward the village renewal programme in Ballynure throughout the preparation of the Ballynure Village Plan. village. We are particularly grateful to the members of the community association and Friendship Club who We would like to extend a special word of thanks to all helped publicise the village meeting by distributing the residents who came to the village meeting and leaflets and putting up posters. A special word of actively participated in the various discussions. We also appreciation to those who arranged and provided appreciate the time and effort put in by community catering for the public meeting. groups, traders and youths who submitted detailed feedback when asked for information on the issues that We wish to extend our gratitude to Mrs Elaine Doherty, affect them; their contribution has been invaluable to Principal of Ballynure Primary School for use of the the consultation process. school facilities for the village meeting. We also appreciate Mrs Doherty’s willingness to carry out We wish to thank all those who permitted the use of caretaker duties on the night. In addition, the their photographs in the village plan especially Alan Paul Presbyterian Church has accommodated the use of the who provided several photographs of the village. Church Hall for several meetings.
Abbreviations and Glossary
DARD NIHE Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland Housing Executive Government Department responsible for overall Rural Northern Ireland’s strategic housing authority Development Programme NINIS DRD Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service Department for Regional Development A Public Service providing statistical and locational Government department with responsibility for regional information relating to small areas across Northern strategic planning and development, transport strategy Ireland. Information is available across a range of and sustainable transport, public roads, public themes including Population, Social and Welfare data transport, air and sea ports, and water and sewerage and Agriculture and Education profiles services PCSP GROW South Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership Generating Rural Opportunities Within South Antrim Partnership group comprising local district councils, Body responsible for delivering funding from the councillors and representatives of the local community Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of policing in an area MLA(s) Member(s) of the Legislative Assembly PSNI Representative elected by the voters of a constituency Police Service of Northern Ireland to the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly
4 Ballynure Village Plan Introduction : 1.0
1.1 Ballynure Ballynure from Baile-an-Iúir ‘The town of the Yew’ is an attractive village located 3 miles north east of Ballyclare and approximately 15 miles north of Belfast. Our village has a rich historical legacy with remains of several industrial mills, an old blacksmith’s forge and links to Jonathan Swift 1, William Orr 2, Samuel Houston 3, and it is the ancestral home of the Macomb family 4.
Over time, the village has developed into a commuter settlement and with its strategic location along the busy A8 from Belfast to Larne, the village has become noticeably severed by the carriageway.
The population of Ballynure village according to the 2001 Census was 677 people (Northern Ireland Nighbourhood Information Service, 2011). The population of Ballynure Ward was 2,884 in 2001 but was estimated to be approximately 3,169 in 2008 (NINIS, 2010).
© Alan Paul
1 Jonathan Swift was Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin and author of Gulliver’s Travels 2 William Orr was a member of the United Irishmen who was executed in 1797 3 Samuel Houston was a former United States Senator for Texas and whom the city of Houston, Texas is named after 4 The Macomb family were prosperous American merchants and land speculators. Alexander Macomb was commanding general of the United States Army from May 29, 1828 to June 25, 1841
Ballynure Village Plan 5 1.0 : Introduction
1.2 Purpose of the Village Plan Since the formation of Ballynure & District Community Association a great deal has been achieved by members of this local community. We have been responsible for developing the Ballynure Memorial Park, and we organise annual events such as Easter egg hunts, the village clean up and the ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’. As a result of these activities we have encouraged the community to work together to achieve our common aims and to ensure that Ballynure is an even better place for all our residents.
Preparing a Village Plan can help renew community spirit and give new purpose to the community association by helping to focus attention on what residents and traders © Alan Paul want and how it can be achieved. The process of preparing the Village Plan has already provided us with 1.3 Format of Village Plan this opportunity - extensive consultation has been carried out with the local community so that we have a The Village Plan comprises 9 Sections as follows: plan that is firmly grounded in local needs and aspirations. Section 1: Introduction – sets the scene;
We can use the Village Plan to seek out additional Section 2: Context – details why we have produced a resources as it sets out the agreed needs and priorities Village Plan for Ballynure; of the entire community and not just those of a few individuals. We can also use our Village Plan to monitor Section 3: Village Analysis – provides an overview of progress as we begin to regenerate the village. the physical environment and social aspects of Ballynure;
Section 4: Consultation – summarises the consultation process that has informed the Village Plan;
Section 5: Initiatives – outlines the recommended initiatives to address the issues raised during the consultation process;
Section 6: Action Plan – summarises the projects and priorities;
Section 7: Delivering the Village Plan – outlines what we need to do to enable things to happen on the ground;
Section 8: Information Sources – provides a collection of research documents referred to in the Village Plan; and
Section 9: Appendices – provides background information that has been used to prepare the Village Plan.
Ballynure Memorial Park © Alan Paul
6 Ballynure Village Plan Context : 2.0
2.1 Rural Development Programme In the smaller villages of Ballynure, Ballyrobert, Cogry/Kilbride, Parkgate and Templepatrick a Village 2007-2013 Renewal Facilitator was employed by Antrim and Within Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture Newtownabbey Borough Councils to engage with and Rural Development (DARD) is responsible for communities that had no established community group developing and co-ordinating rural development policy or limited capacity, to help them prepare a Village Plan and managing the implementation of rural development for their area. strategies and programmes. The direct involvement of the local community in the The Department’s vision for the Northern Ireland Rural preparation of the Village Plan is imperative. It is also Development Programme 2007-2013 provides a necessary that any actions that emerge reflect the programme that seeks to protect and enhance our rural needs of those that live and work in the area as the environment and contribute to the development of local community will ultimately be responsible for competitive and sustainable rural businesses, and delivering the plan. The purpose of the programme is thriving rural communities. not just to regenerate the physical environment but also to help promote social cohesion by bringing the Axis 3 of the programme “Improving the quality of life in community together, developing their skills, empowering rural areas and diversifying the rural economy” contains people and enabling them to do things for themselves. the following measures: • Diversification into non-agricultural activities; Phase 2: Implementation Approximately £1 million has been allocated by GROW • Business creation and development; towards the implementation of Village Renewal projects. • Encouragement of tourism activities; Villages can only apply for funding under Phase 2 if they • Basic services for the economy and rural population; have a village plan in place. • Village renewal and development; and For example, within the GROW South Antrim area, the • Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage. village of Crumlin already had a plan in place and was eligible to apply under Phase 2. GROW South Antrim granted £230,000 in funding for an Environmental 2.2 GROW South Antrim Improvement Scheme in Crumlin under the Village To deliver the Rural Development Programme, local Renewal Measure. This project has now attracted Councils across Northern Ireland grouped together into approximately £625,000 in overall investment and has seven ‘clusters’. A cluster from Antrim, Carrickfergus resulted in significant physical improvements to the and Newtownabbey Council areas was formed under the streetscape and general appearance of the village. title of GROW South Antrim (Generating Rural Opportunities Within South Antrim). GROW was subsequently appointed to implement Axes 3 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 in the South Antrim area.
In 2008, GROW South Antrim produced a Rural Development Strategy and Action Plan aimed at sustaining the rural society and economic fabric of the area. Under the Village Renewal Measure GROW seeks to support villages in the rural South Antrim area by developing plans for their villages (Phase 1); and to improve the village infrastructure by implementing projects within the village plans (Phase 2).
Phase 1: Village Plans A professional team of experts was appointed to prepare Masterplans for the three larger villages in the GROW South Antrim area (Toomebridge, Whitehead and Doagh). Within these areas, established community groups were already equipped with the skills and capacity to identify how they wanted their villages to develop. © Alan Paul
Ballynure Village Plan 7 3.0 : Village Analysis
3.1 Physical Environment reduces the settlement limit to the south and extends the limit to the east. All land within the revised Within the Newtownabbey Area Plan 2005, a settlement settlement limit has been developed, although limit has been designated for Ballynure as illustrated redevelopment opportunities remain on a number of below. A replacement plan has been drafted (draft derelict sites. Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015) which slightly
Ballynure Development Limit Source: Newtownabbey Area Plan 2005
8 Ballynure Village Plan Village Analysis : 3.0
A distinctive feature of the village is the way in which it is severed by the A8 Belfast to Larne Road, creating a village of two halves. The retail offer is predominantly located to the south eastern section and includes: • Co-op Convenience Store with Post Office; • Jacksons Butchers; • Expressions Hair Salon; • Ballynure Barber Shop; and • The Ballad Inn.
A filling station and Beattie’s Fish and Chips are also located along the A8.
Residential Residential properties within the village are quite modest with more modern housing located along Castle Road. Within the village there is a good mix of house types, sizes and styles. Most residential developments throughout the village are well maintained, and some make use of existing vegetation to enhance the area.
In terms of new and future development opportunities in the village, there is currently a housing development under construction at Old Larne Road. There are a number of derelict properties throughout the village which could be developed in the future, the most Retail units in Ballynure extensive of which is located at 1 Lismenary Road.
Traffic and Transport Ballynure is strategically located along the A8 Belfast/ Larne Road. Consequently, most vehicular traffic passing through the village is strategic in nature with comparatively less local traffic within the village itself.
Ballynure lies approximately 6 miles north of the M2 motorway. The village is located in relatively close proximity to Belfast International Airport (13.5 miles), George Best City Airport (16 miles), Larne Port (8 miles) and Belfast Port (13 miles). There are no railway links to the village.
Within the village, there is an extensive car parking area adjacent to Jackson’s Butchers and to the rear of the Presbyterian Church, with limited on-street parking available on Main Street due to parking restrictions.
The following bus services operate in the Ballynure area: • Ulsterbus Service 156: Belfast-Larne/Larne-Belfast (Mon-Sat); • Ulsterbus Service 156D: Ballyclare-Ballynure- Ballylagan (Mon-Fri); and • Goldline Service 256: Belfast-Larne/Larne-Belfast (Daily).
The above services pass along the A8 but do not enter Residential developments in Ballynure Main Street.
Ballynure Village Plan 9 3.0 : Village Analysis
Within the village, footways are generally in good condition although there are a few extremely narrow footpaths in poor condition which may cause difficulties for the visually impaired, wheel chair users and those with prams. A subway facilitates pedestrian movements across the A8. While the footpath is well maintained and the adjacent area is landscaped, the subway is quite dark and the mural has been partly destroyed with graffiti. Part of the Ulster Way walking route runs from Glenarm and finishes at Ballynure.
A cycle path runs along the A8 however it is not part of the Sustrans Cycle Network. Poor Quality Footpath Public Realm The landscaped roundabout at the southern approach, stone signage features and views of the Ballynure Water create attractive first impressions of Ballynure.
This is further enhanced by a number of attractive church buildings.
Methodist Church © Philip Wallace
Entrance Signage Christ Church
Graffiti Ballynure Presbyterian Church
10 Ballynure Village Plan Village Analysis : 3.0
Litter and dog foul bins are placed throughout the village. Bollards are also placed within the village core. Certain parts of the village appear run down and neglected and have been targets for anti-social behaviour. Notable areas include the area around “The Ballad Inn” and adjacent premises where there are poor quality footpaths, poorly maintained planting, vandalism and litter.
Conservation & Built Heritage Christ Church is a Grade B listed building. There are also two Sites and Monuments in the Ballynure area of archaeological importance: Vandalised property • Post medieval church & graveyard with reported enclosure well and souterrain (SMR 045:016); and • Mound (SMR 045:017).
The village has a rich legacy of built heritage, with a number of Industrial Heritage sites located in the surrounding area including a bridge, a cotton mill, a corn mill, beetling mill, logwood mill, a flax mill and Ballynure railway station.
Open Space Recreational open space is provided at Ballynure War Memorial Park where facilities include a play park, kick Poorly maintained planter about area and a basketball/netball hoop. Within the village a pathway runs along part of the Ballynure Water. Many of the residential developments have a communal green area.
Playground and open space provision in Ballynure
Ballynure Water
Ballynure Village Plan 11 3.0 : Village Analysis
3.2 Social Aspects Facilities Community facilities within the village include Ballynure Primary School, Ballynure Methodist Church, Ballynure Presbyterian Church and Christ Church (Church of Ireland). Many of the Churches have halls which are extensively used by the community.
Groups There are a number of community groups in Ballynure representing various ages and interests. Ballynure and Ballynure District Community Association is an established and Village Fair 2011 proactive group of local residents keen to promote the development and conservation of the village. © Philip Wallace Events One of the major events in Ballynure is the annual A number of organisations are run by the churches in Village Fair. The Village Fair is a one day event when the the village, including: whole village comes alive as hundreds of people gather • Badminton club; to take part in a wide range of activities. The event is • Bowling club; organised by the four local churches, the Friendship • Boys Brigade; Club, local businesses, schools, the playgroup and the Orange Order under the banner of Ballynure & District • Girls Brigade; Community Association with support from Newtownabbey • Choir and Praise Group; Borough Council and sponsorship from a number of local • Mums and Toddlers; businesses. The Village Fair caters for a wide range of • Home Bible Study Groups; age groups and interests with activities including an opening parade, pony and trap rides, bric-a-brac, tombola, • Noah’s Ark Parent and Toddler Group; face painting, painting competitions, Duck Derby, five a • Friendship Club (over 50s); side football, indoor bowling, dog agility display, model • Old Time Dancing Club; aircraft and vintage tractor displays, tug of war and • CAMEO – Come And Meet Each Other (former PWA); Praise ‘n Picnic in the Park event. and • Youth Club. A Village Clean Up is also organised annually by the community association. The 2011 event was arranged There are two football clubs in the village. Ballynure Old to coincide with an Easter Egg Hunt with the Cadbury’s Boys Football Club, which recently celebrated its 40th Spots Vs Stripes Competition in mind. The initiative anniversary, play their home games in Mossley. FC encourages playing games in the lead up to the 2012 Ballynure formed approximately 7-8 years ago London Olympics as a way of having fun but also as a and play their home games in Larne. With way of interacting with others and providing an no set training facilities, both clubs use opportunity to bring people together. whatever facilities are available in the surrounding area. Other annual events in the village include the Christmas Tree Lights Switch On which is organised by the community association in conjunction with Newtownabbey Borough Council. © Philip Wallace Consultation : 4.0
A professional team was appointed to undertake an extensive consultation process in Ballynure. The process began with a Public Meeting which everyone in the village was invited to (Appendix 1). The public meeting was advertised by delivering leaflets to all of the households in the village; distributing leaflets via the school and churches; displaying posters through local businesses; information on the Ballynure and District Community Association website; Newtownabbey Borough Council website; through the GROW website and leaflets to local Councillors and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
The meeting was attended by approximately 45 residents and 3 elected representatives. In terms of structure, a number of issues relating to key themes were presented to the attendees. Using ‘Qwizdom’ controllers, attendees selected the themes that were most concerning, enabling everyone present to have their opinion recorded. The results were presented on screen which stimulated lively discussion about the various issues.
In addition to the Village Meeting, a number of community groups and businesses were directly consulted.
A follow up public meeting was held to present the draft action plan and obtain feedback from residents on the proposed projects.
A summary of the consultation process is provided in the Consultation Report (Appendix 2).
Ballynure Village Plan 13 5.0 : Initiatives
Based on the issues raised during the consultation A review of the Newtownabbey District Housing Plan and process, a number of initiatives have been recommended. Local Housing Strategy 2011-12 (Northern Ireland Housing Executive, 2011) highlights that there is no five 5.1 Housing year projected social housing need in Ballynure and In relation to housing, the main issues that arose were: there were 3 applicants and 2 housing stress applicants for social housing in the Ballynure area in December • Excessive development for housing; 2010. It is recommended that those facing housing • Lack of affordable housing; difficulties seek advice from the NIHE as they may be • Adverse visual impact of derelict properties; eligible for housing benefits. • New properties lying unoccupied; and In addition, alternatives to buying should also be • Impact of an increase in housing on historic considered such as renting, co-ownership and shared character of the village. ownership, with information on each provided locally. Monitor future development of the village Promote use of unoccupied properties Much of the land zoned for development in Ballynure in During the consultation concerns were raised about the the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 has number and appearance of unoccupied properties in the already been developed with little land available for village. In response to recommendations made in the further growth. However a number of derelict sites are “Review into Affordable Housing”, the Northern Ireland currently vacant and have been granted planning Housing Executive published the “Empty Homes permission for future development. Strategy for Northern Ireland”. The Department of the Environment (DOE) is the body responsible for assessing planning applications. When The NIHE highlights that unoccupied dwellings can: assessing planning applications, the DOE is required to • Lead to blight and neighbourhood degeneration consider planning policy and supplementary planning • Act as a focus for anti-social behaviour; guidance to ensure that proposals for residential developments are designed to consider the existing • Put pressure on existing housing stock and environment and their surroundings. affordable accommodation; • Devalue neighbouring properties; and Ballynure and District Community Association prefers not to get involved with individual planning applications, • Create pressure for greenfield development to meet therefore it is recommended that anyone wishing to housing demand. submit representations do so individually. Work is underway to action the key tasks identified in Provide information on affordable housing the strategy in an effort to bring empty homes back into The issue of affordable housing is not restricted to use. From 1 October 2011, all unoccupied domestic Ballynure. With house prices still relatively high and properties will be liable for rates. Land and Property difficulties obtaining a mortgage there are people all Services is currently gathering ownership details for over Northern Ireland facing similar problems. As a empty homes across Northern Ireland. It is anticipated community group, many of the issues surrounding that this will reduce the number of empty dwellings affordability are beyond our control however the Review across Northern Ireland although exemptions apply into Affordable Housing (Semple, 2007) proposed a which may reduce the overall impact of the rate charges series of recommendations for Government, the rest of to unoccupied properties in Ballynure. the public sector, the voluntary sector, the construction industry, landlords and lenders in an effort to improve access to affordable housing.
Derelict properties in Ballynure
14 Ballynure Village Plan Initiatives : 5.0
5.2 Transport There will also be notable benefits for the village of Ballynure. Residents should notice a significant The main issues in relation to transport include: decrease in the volume of strategic traffic passing • Speeding along A8; through the village and as a result a reduction in noise, • Speeding along Lismenary Road, Church Road and air pollutants and a safer environment for pedestrians Castle Road; and local traffic. However, a solution to the traffic • Safety issues for traffic emerging onto A8; issues is needed in the interim period. Opposition to proposed route of A8 by-pass; • The design and layout of Ballynure gives the impression • Congestion at shops and schools; that the village is located to the east of the A8; this is • Disruption caused by inclement weather conditions; due to properties backing onto the main road and the and prominent signage at Main Street and Riverside. The • Public transport provision. wide carriageway and 40mph speed restrictions may cause drivers unfamiliar with the area to be oblivious to Liaise with DRD Roads Service on effectiveness of the fact that the existing A8 passes through the village. existing engineering measures and the need for further traffic management A number of road engineering measures are already in Department for Regional Development (DRD) Roads place along the A8 including traffic islands, central Service is currently planning improvements to the A8 hatching and high friction surfacing. The effectiveness Belfast to Larne Road between the B95 Coleman’s of these measures should be discussed with DRD Corner Junction and the B100 Ballyrickard Road Roads Service and other forms of traffic calming Junction. The existing route is reported to carry in measures explored, for example, installing traffic signals excess of 17,000 vehicles per day (DRD Roads Service, or Vehicle Activated Signs and reducing speed 2008). The proposed improvements include dualling, restrictions from 40mph to 30mph. Traffic calming and a preferred route has been selected which travels measures should also be explored along Lismenary Road, north of Ballynure, bypassing the village. The proposed especially in the vicinity of Ballynure Primary School, works are due to commence in 2013 and will be Church Road and Castle Road where there is particular completed by 2017/2018. concern for pedestrian safety.
The proposed route will impact upon residents to a It is reported that the junction at Lismenary Road is varying extent depending on where people live in relation wired for traffic lights but the cost associated with to the proposed road and the daily journeys they providing lights has prevented DRD Roads Service from undertake. The proposed bypass will require land to be undertaking such works. The community group should vested by the Department for Regional Development, liaise with DRD Roads Service to discuss the feasibility and businesses in the area may experience a loss of of installing traffic lights at this junction and the passing trade. Riverside junction.
Ballynure entrance signage
Ballynure Village Plan 15 5.0 : Initiatives
Busy A8 Belfast-Larne Road Liaise with PCSP and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, with 1 being most deprived), it is ranked 176 in Ireland (PSNI) on speed enforcement procedures relation to proximity to services. In light of recent If traffic calming measures are deemed ineffective, the announcements by Translink that it is to cut services need for safety cameras could also be explored with the (BBC News, 2011), it is unlikely that Translink will local PCSP and the PSNI. It is understood that in areas provide additional services to the village in the current of community concern and where there is evidence of economic climate. However, maintaining existing public fatal or serious injury, the PSNI will consider the transport provision is necessary to avoid any further deployment of safety cameras. disadvantage to residents. It is therefore recommended that the community group liaise with Translink to Liaise with DRD Roads Service, school and traders to ascertain the current patronage figures and if there is address parking issues likely to be any cuts to service provision in the Ballynure It is understood that there can be congestion at the area in the near future. school and at the shops. It is recommended that the community group liaise with DRD Roads Service, the Provide information on accessible transport options school and traders to examine possible solutions that Translink provides senior citizens aged 60 and over with could ease the flow of traffic without major a “60+ SmartPass” which provides free bus and rail inconvenience to parents/guardians and potential transport throughout Northern Ireland. In addition, the customers respectively. “Senior SmartPass” provides those aged 65 and over with free bus and rail transport throughout Northern Liaise with DRD Roads Service on response to extreme Ireland and free cross border travel. For those unable to weather conditions access public transport, Community Transport provide It is recommended that the community group liaise with accessible door-to-door and group travel services to DRD Roads Service to ascertain contact names and community groups, older people and people with numbers to request gritting and the provision of salt and disabilities on a non-profit making basis throughout grit boxes during periods of snowfall and removing Northern Ireland. debris from storm drains to avoid localised flooding and subsequent road closures. South Antrim Community Transport is the community transport operator in the Ballynure area operating a Maintain existing public transport provision “Dial a Lift” and Social Car schemes providing door to During the consultation process residents commented door travel, either in minibuses or by car with vetted that there is inadequate public transport provision in the volunteers. Minibuses are also available for hire. village. Others claimed that whilst there are adequate services passing through the village many of these Information on how to obtain a “60+ SmartPass” or services do not stop in Ballynure. “Senior SmartPass” and Community Transport should be made available locally perhaps through the In relation to public transport provision, it was noted Friendship Club and if necessary, an awareness session that while Ballynure is well ranked on the multiple could also be held in the village. deprivation measure (529 out of 582 wards in Northern
16 Ballynure Village Plan Initiatives : 5.0
Derelict properties and vacant sites in Ballynure 5.3 Environment Frontage improvements A range of financial and ownership issues are currently The main issues that arose in relation to environment hindering the redevelopment of derelict properties and and heritage were: buildings throughout the village. While they lie vacant • Vacant and derelict properties detracting from the they often become prone to vandalism and detract from quality of the area; the appearance of the village. • Vandalism and graffiti at the park and subway; • Flooding of the subway; Where the owner can be identified, it is recommended • Inadequate lighting in the area of the park, subway that at least modest improvements are made to any and Carrickfergus Road; derelict buildings in the village until financial conditions • Japanese Knotweed is becoming very invasive along improve and more permanent measures can be riverbanks and will be a major issue if not addressed implemented; this may include painting the frontage of effectively; buildings, minor structural works and virtual window • Inadequate bins; and displays. Such improvements can enhance the area and make buildings appear as if they are being occupied. • Dog fouling.
Toome Shop Frontage Improvement Scheme
Ballynure Village Plan 17 5.0 : Initiatives
Public realm improvements Areas requiring improvements The Community Association carries out an annual village clean up. It is recommended that all public sector bodies with responsibility for land within the village also undertake a regular programme of cleaning and maintenance works. The relevant body should be identified and encouraged to maintain the public realm to prevent its deterioration detracting from the quality of the environment. In addition, any street furniture that has fallen into a state of disrepair should be replaced.
Landscaping works It is recommended that planters in the village are replaced and refurbished. It is also recommended that the community take responsibility for the maintenance of planters as a means of promoting a sense of public ownership and instilling civic pride in the village.
Footway along Main Street
Footway from Riverside along A8 Poorly maintained planter
Seating at Main Street Railing along Ballynure Water at subway
18 Ballynure Village Plan Initiatives : 5.0
Community arts project at the subway and the park A number of years ago, the subway was painted by children from the local community. Over time the artwork has faded and has been vandalised. It is recommended that a community approach is taken once again to paint both the subway and the park. Involving the community, especially those who are often disengaged and disaffected, in the design and implementation can help reduce vandalism by engendering community ownership of the project.
Dulux Lets Colour Project - Dublin © William Murphy
The subway © Alan Paul
Ballynure Village Plan 19 5.0 : Initiatives
Liaise with Rivers Agency and DRD Roads Service regarding flooding of the subway It is recommended that the group liaise with Rivers Agency and DRD Roads Service to address the issue of flooding in the subway. As the subway is the only safe access from one side of the village to the other, it is vital that it remains open and free from any obstructions.
Improved street lighting It is recommended that the community association liaises with Newtownabbey Borough Council to discuss the installation of street lighting at Memorial Park. It is also recommended that the community association undertake similar discussions with DRD Roads Service in relation to subway lighting and other public roads in the village including Carrickfergus Road. Improved lighting in these areas may allow greater surveillance Dog waste bin © Alan Paul and help prevent these areas from becoming hotspots for anti-social behaviour. Promote reporting of dog fouling incidents Newtownabbey Borough Council employs two dog Liaise with landowners in relation to treatment of wardens and three enforcement officers. Scheduled Japanese Knotweed patrols are carried out by the enforcement officers Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species and has throughout the Borough to detect offences of dog fouling been noted as problematic along the Ballynure Water. and the Ballynure area is visited at least three times a With no public body having responsibility for the week by each officer. If reports are received regarding treatment of invasive species, it is recommended that specific offences then extra patrols are scheduled. The the land owners of the area in question are identified dog waste bins are emptied on a minimum frequency of and encouraged to effectively treat the Japanese once per week. Knotweed to prevent further spread. This year Newtownabbey Borough Council has received Review litter bin provision 360 complaints of dog fouling in the Borough. However, There are currently 12 litter bins (including 3 park litter only one complaint has been received this year bins), 5 dog waste bins, 3 post bins and a recycling bin regarding fouling in the Ballynure area. Newtownabbey in the village. The litter bins and post mounted bins are Borough Council encourages residents to report emptied on a fortnightly basis however it is reported instances of fouling by dogs and if a resident wishes to that there are often issues of the bins overflowing with report a specific offence or provide details of the person litter. It is recommended that the problem is promptly involved they are advised to contact the Environmental reported to Newtownabbey Borough Council so that bins Health Department (028 9034 0160). are emptied more frequently.
Litter bin at Ballynure Primary School © Philip Wallace
20 Ballynure Village Plan Initiatives : 5.0
5.4 Community Development door and available from the shops, churches, businesses and school ensuring that everyone is kept The main issues in relation to community development well informed. include: • Lack of communication regarding community Annual village meeting activities and groups; While all residents are welcome to the Community • Lack of support and dwindling numbers in the Association’s monthly meetings, an annual village public community group; meeting could also be held to gather fresh information • Duplication and clashes of events; on local concerns and provide details of the Village Plan implementation process. • Anti-social behaviour; and • Flags fly for too long. Promote work of community champions Within Ballynure there are a number of individuals, Relocation and provision of new notice board groups and businesses that really care about the village Within the village, a community notice board is located and strive to promote community spirit. This can on the gable wall of the Co-op. Ballynure & District sometimes be difficult when the work of these Community Association has an attractive website with community champions goes unrecognised. The information on a wide range of community events, community newsletter should promote the work of these minutes of all their meetings and links to other websites people and a recognition ceremony could be held of local church groups and businesses. The Ballad and annually to celebrate successes. This could instil many of the Church websites also contain community greater civic pride in the village and encourage people to information on events and organisations throughout the play a part in the development of their community. village. The churches also publish community information in their respective bulletins. Promote use of church and school for youth and community activities It is suggested that the existing community notice board A wide range of activities are currently held in the church is replaced and relocated to the area in front of the Co- halls and the Primary School. It is recommended that op so that it is more visible to residents. the use of these community buildings is continued and promoted throughout the village. Halls should be Community newsletter promoted as community buildings to help promote Each of the churches in the village have their own community cohesion and integration. To avoid groups activities, events and methods of communicating with being associated with particular churches, it is residents. It is recommended that the community recommended that venues should be selected based on association prepares one overall ‘community their suitability for that particular group and availability newsletter’. An integrated approach could ensure that rather than group members/leaders association with a the activities carried out by all the churches, community particular church. groups and charity events are detailed and are open to everyone. The newsletter could be distributed door to Develop activities for young people It is reported that there is little for young people to do in the area. It is recommended that a range of activities are developed in the village specifically aimed at young people. This should be carried out in consultation with the young people ensuring that a variety of age groups and backgrounds are included especially those who are typically disengaged. Activities could include coaching/training a particular sport, musical instrument, art or language, or providing transport to such activities in neighbouring areas. Such activities can help stimulate young people and prevent boredom leading to anti-social behaviour.
Develop support services for young people Research should be carried out on the need and types of support services needed for young people in the area. Examples may include a drop in centre within the village that provides young people with a safe place to go without hanging around public places. The facility could also provide skills, accredited training and advice Existing notice board services to the young people.
Ballynure Village Plan 21 5.0 : Initiatives
Support services may include obtaining funding for an “Volunteer Now” is an organisation which provides outreach or detached youth worker. Alternatively, advice and information for organisations looking to boost information on the wide range of support services their volunteer recruitment. It provides voluntary and available to young people from organisations such as community groups looking to involve volunteers with an the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to opportunity to advertise volunteer opportunities on their Children, Childline, Barnardo’s, Contact and Samaritans website and attempts to link potential volunteers with could be made available locally. Online services such opportunities. “Volunteer Now” also provides as “Talk to Frank” should also be promoted. information on a range of initiatives to encourage youth volunteering, over 50s volunteering and “Time Banking” Develop social networks to encourage reciprocity so that people offer their time, In addition to the existing website, it is recommended skills and experience to others, and in equal measure that social networks are used in an effort to receive help from them. communicate with residents and to engage young people; this could entail developing a ‘Facebook’ page A fundraising campaign could be organised in the village or setting up a ‘Twitter’ account. It is important that the and wider area to increase financial resources. page is kept up to date and evolves as new social Organisations such as the “Institute of Fundraising” networking sites emerge. provide best practice advice and regularly hold events and seminars on maximising the success of fundraising Promote and develop Friendship Club campaigns. In addition “How2fundraise” as its name A Friendship Club for the over 50s meets at least once a suggests provides some innovative ideas on fundraising. month in Ballynure Presbyterian Church Hall. The aims In addition to volunteers and finance, knowledge and of the Friendship Club are to provide opportunities for networks are often important resources in any community older people, many of whom live alone or are in an or voluntary organisation. To increase knowledge, it is isolated part of the rural community, to interact with recommended that the community association should others; to be entertained and informed about interesting avail of existing skills within the community, avail of free events, shows, activities or hobbies; to get out and information, advice and best practice available from about; and to provide transport to venues. relevant organisations and the internet; and avail of There are over 44 members, most of whom are 65+, and training opportunities. In terms of networking it is at least 30% of these live alone. Approximately one third recommended that the community association establish of the members live more than 3 miles from the village. links with statutory and voluntary organisations, funding bodies and other community groups. Activities offered by the Friendship Club could be developed further to cater for a wide range of interests, Develop public events diary mobility and ability. Further promotion of the Friendship It is recommended that a ‘public events diary’ is Club could also encourage the more isolated to interact developed to prevent duplication of events and with others. activities. This could involve identifying all the existing activities and events that take place and also providing Promote ‘Good Morning Newtownabbey’ or Befriending a facility that allows available venues within the village Scheme for the elderly to be booked online. The ‘Good Morning Newtownabbey’ or befriending scheme could be promoted in the village. The ‘Good Report anti-social behaviour incidents to the PSNI Morning Newtownabbey’ scheme involves contacting While acts of vandalism are considered to be relatively elderly residents in the morning primarily to check on low, it is important that incidents of antisocial behaviour their wellbeing but also to provide them with social are reported to the PSNI and a crime reference number contact. A befriending service could be developed obtained; this will ensure the PSNI has an accurate whereby residents from the local community visit the record of the frequency and severity of antisocial elderly and carry out any errands that they may need behaviour issues in the Ballynure area and deploy done. Initiatives like this could help reduce feelings of resources accordingly. isolation and fears of becoming a victim of crime. Liaise with PSNI and influential community Develop a “resource bank” stakeholders on the display of flags Developing activities for young people and the elderly Within Northern Ireland the display of certain flags is will require significant resources in terms of volunteers, considered acceptable during festive or other occasions. funding, capacity and knowledge. The development of a There is usually agreement on the condition and the “resource bank” would support and help sustain existing period of time that flags are displayed. and proposed activities. A corresponding “resource It is recommended that the group liaises with the PSNI bank” database would help identify what skills/ and other influential community stakeholders with resources could be utilised for planned activities so a regard to the display of flags in the village. coordinated approach was adopted by the community.
22 Ballynure Village Plan Initiatives : 5.0
5.5 Leisure 5.6 Business and Services Issues in relation to leisure include: Issues in relation to businesses and services include: • Play park equipment out of date; • Concerns about the potential loss of the garage and • Health and safety concerns in relation to park; chip shop on the A8 once the bypass is in place; • No football pitch; and • Quality of shop frontages in the centre of the village; and • Inadequate activities for young people. • Impact of competition from larger stores in Re-design play park Ballyclare. Instead of refurbishing the existing equipment which is considered out of date and only suitable for very young Liaise with DRD Roads Service for signage to the children, it is recommended that the entire community is Maxol Garage involved in the re-design of a community park suitable It is understood that DRD Roads Service provides for people of all age groups. The re-designed park could signage to business properties that have been bypassed incorporate play equipment for very young children, gym as a result of road improvements. It is recommended equipment, sports pitch, skateboard park/BMX track, that business owners along the existing A8 liaise with walking and running paths, cycle tracks and gardens. DRD Roads Service at the earliest opportunity to ensure that adequate signage is provided. With derelict land available to the south of the park, an opportunity may exist to extend the facility and Shop front improvements redevelop the vacant site. Additional greenfield land As noted above in relation to undertaking improvements may also be available to the north and east of the park. to derelict buildings, it is recommended that frontage improvements are also made to vacant retail premises. Having young people involved in the redevelopment of Similar to residential properties, it is recommended that the site will ensure that the young people of the area works including painting, minor structural works and feel included in their community, have facilities that are “virtual window” displays are carried out; these types of attractive and of interest to them, and are less likely to improvements can enhance the area and make buildings engage in anti-social activities. appear as if they are in use and not detracting from the commercial heart of the village. Development of a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) While a ‘kick about area’ is currently available at the park, there is no full sized football pitch. To cater for all interests in the village, a Multi Use Games Area which can facilitate a range of different games would be more suitable. It is also recommended that the group makes attempts to purchase a suitable site that could be developed for such a facility. As noted above, derelict land adjacent to the park may be available for such development.
Play park © Alan Paul
Ballynure Village Plan 23 5.0 : Initiatives
5.7 Tourism and Heritage Issues raised in relation to tourism include: • Need for up to date information leaflets to be produced on village history and heritage; • Improved service provision for tourists; • Need to ensure village maximises links to Jonathan Swift, Sam Houston and Mark Twain; • Failure to preserve Public Rights of Way; • Conservation of former mill; and • Opportunity should be explored to develop pathway to old mill.
Promote the South Antrim Heritage Trail A Walking Heritage Trail was produced for Ballynure a number of years ago. A leaflet for the trail is available from the Ballynure & District Community Association website and from Newtownabbey Borough Council. The Trail is also displayed in the window of a vacant property along Main Street.
In addition, Newtownabbey Borough Council in conjunction with Antrim Borough Council recently received funding for a South Antrim Heritage Trail. Interpretive panels were installed at 30 heritage sites throughout the two Boroughs and a brochure was produced promoting the trail. Four heritage sites in Ballynure have been included on the heritage trail namely the Methodist Church, Christ Church, the Presbyterian Church and Ballynure Beetling Mill. The brochure is available from Newtownabbey Borough Council offices and website but it is recommended that it should be distributed through local shops and public venues in the village to ensure it is more accessible to visitors.
Re-establish Ballynure Historical Group Ballynure Historical Group formed was formed in 1998 for local research purposes and met monthly. While membership was initially high with approximately 20 people, numbers declined leading to the eventual dissolution of the group.
However, some of the former members have been active in advising on the recent heritage signage erected in the village, the restoration work to the graveyard monuments and presenting a heritage lecture at the Village Fair.
From the village meeting there appeared to be an interest amongst residents to promote the heritage of the village therefore it is recommended that a historical group is re-established in the village. To help maintain interest, links could also be established with other Historical Groups for example, the Ballyclare and District Historical Society.
The South Antrim Heritage Trail - Interpretative Panels in Ballynure
24 Ballynure Village Plan Initiatives : 5.0
Tourist/visitor information facility A tourist information facility could also be developed in a centrally located venue in the village. The information facility could provide information on the South Antrim Heritage Trail, the Walking Heritage Trail, other things to see and do in the area, places to visit and tourist accommodation. Newtownabbey Borough Council is able to advise on options for such an information facility. Within the Village ‘Kafe Manna’ operates from the Presbyterian Church Hall on Tuesday mornings and at other times by request. The feasibility of developing a full time cafe/restaurant facility in the village could be explored. The mill © Alan Paul Investigate reported Rights of Way The need to preserve Rights of Way in the village was the Ulster Way and other assets in the village, such as highlighted by residents. It is understood that local the park and heritage features, should also be explored. Councils have a statutory duty to investigate assertions of a public right of way. The community association Developing the riverside walkway will require land should liaise with Newtownabbey Borough Council to assembly therefore the various land owners will need to ensure the reported rights of way are fully investigated. be identified. Opportunities may exist to incorporate the The rights of way could be developed into ‘Highway to reported Rights of Way as part of the riverside walk. Health’ routes to promote healthy lifestyles. Restoration of the former mill Develop riverside walkway It is understood that the remains of a former mill are The Ballynure Water is a real asset to the village and located in close proximity to the village. It is recommended part of the river corridor has been designated a Local that a feasibility study is carried out on the potential for Landscape Policy Area within the draft Belfast Metropolitan restoring the mill which identifies potential uses and Area Plan 2015, however the full potential of the river is sources of income for maintaining the building. not realised. A Riverside Walkway could be developed Promote historical links which opens up the river. Similar to the Blackwater It is recommended that historical links to Jonathan River in County Armagh, planting and public art features Swift, William Orr, Samuel Houston, and the Macomb could be incorporated into the design of the walkway to family are promoted and celebrated, this could be create a more attractive environment for the local achieved by holding events to celebrate their community and visitors. Opportunities to link the river with connections with Ballynure.
© Jonathan Clark Examples of public art features along the Blackwater River, County Armagh © Tatch
Ballynure Village Plan 25 6.0 : Action Plan
Potential Sources Theme Initiative Stakeholders Priority Estimated Cost* of Funding Monitor future development of BDCA Med N/A N/A the village g n i Provide information on BDCA; NIHE; Housing s Med N/A N/A u affordable housing Associations; Lenders o H Promote use of unoccupied BDCA; NIHE High N/A N/A properties Liaise with DRD Roads Service on effectiveness of existing engineering measures and the BDCA, DRD RS Med N/A DRD RS need for further traffic management Liaise with PCSP and PSNI on BDCA, PCSP, PSNI High N/A PSNI speed enforcement procedures
t Liaise with DRD Roads Service, BDCA, DRD RS, r
o school and traders to address Ballynure Primary High N/A N/A p s
n parking issues School, traders a r
T Liaise with DRD Roads Service on response to extreme BDCA, DRD RS Med N/A DRD RS weather conditions Maintain existing public BDCA, Translink Med N/A Translink transport provision BDCA, Translink, Provide information on South Antrim Med N/A N/A accessible transport options Community Transport
GROW Village BDCA, Property Owners Renewal, Big Frontage improvements High £20,000 NBC Lottery Awards for All or Fair Share Litter bins: £500-£1,000 NBC, Grow seating: Village Renewal, Public realm improvements NBC High £500-£1,000 Big Lottery landscaping: Awards for All £10,000 GROW Village
t Renewal, Big n Landscaping works BDCA, NBC Med £10,000 e Lottery Awards m
n for All, Biffa o r i
v Arts Council of n
E Northern Community arts project at the BDCA, NBC High £10,000 Ireland, Big subway and the park Lottery Awards for All, GROW Liaise with Rivers Agency and BDCA, Rivers Agency, Rivers Agency, DRD Roads Service regarding Med N/A DRD RS DRD RS flooding of the subway GROW Village Improved lighting at the park BDCA, NBC, DRD RS Med £10,000 Renewal Improved lighting at the subway BDCA, DRD RS (Street £10,000 per DRD RS, GROW and other public roads such as Med Lighting) Village Renewal Carrickfergus Road 100m *Estimated costs are indicative as initial investigations may require further works to be undertaken
26 Ballynure Village Plan Action Plan : 6.0
Potential Sources Theme Initiative Stakeholders Priority Estimated Cost* of Funding Liaise with landowners in
t relation to treatment of BDCA, Land owners High N/A N/A n d
e Japanese Knotweed e u m n n i £500-£800 NBC, GROW t o
r Review litter bin provision BDCA, NBC Med n i per bin Village Renewal v o n c E Promote the reporting of dog BDCA, residents Med N/A N/A fouling incidents NBC GROW Village Relocation and provision of new Renewal, Big BDCA High £1,000-£1,500 notice board Lottery Awards for All £100-£200 Big Lottery Community newsletter BDCA Med printing per Awards for All or issue Fair share Facilitator: £40-£80 per hour Village Annual village meeting BDCA Med Room hire: fundraising £30-£50 Big Lottery Promote work of community BDCA Med N/A Awards for All or champions Fair share The Joseph Rank Promote use of church and BDCA, Church Leaders Trust, Big Lottery school for youth and High N/A NEELB Awards for All or community activities Fair share y
t BDCA, NEELB and i Develop activities for young Cost depends n other voluntary youth High Big Lottery u people on activities
m providers m o
C BDCA, NSPCC, Childline, Develop support services for Cost depends on Barnardo’s, Contact and Med Big Lottery young people services Samaritans Develop social networks BDCA Med N/A N/A Promote and develop BDCA/Senior Citizens Cost depends on Low Big Lottery Friendship Club Forum, Age NI activities Promote ‘Good Morning BDCA, Good Morning Newtownabbey’ or Befriending Low N/A N/A Newtownabbey Scheme for the elderly BDCA, NICVA, Develop a “resource bank” Volunteer Now, High N/A N/A Institute of Fundraising Develop public events diary BDCA Med N/A N/A Report anti-social behaviour BDCA, PSNI High N/A N/A incidents to the PSNI Liaise with PSNI and influential BDCA, PSNI, influential community stakeholders on the Med N/A N/A stakeholders display of flags
Abbreviations NICVA Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action BDCA Ballynure & District Community Association NIHE Northern Ireland Housing Executive DRD RS Department of Regional Development Roads Service NSPCC National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children NBC Newtownabbey Borough Council PCSP Policing and Community Safety Partnership NEELB North Eastern Education and Library Board PSNI Police Service of Northern Ireland
Ballynure Village Plan 27 6.0 : Action Plan
Potential Sources Theme Initiative Stakeholders Priority Estimated Cost* of Funding GROW Basic Services, UnLtd Sport Relief Awards, Big Lottery Awards £50,000- Re-design play park BDCA, NBC Med for All, Reaching £75,000 Out Empowering Young People or e
r Fair Share, Sport u s
i NI, Biffa e L GROW Basic Services, Big Lottery Awards BDCA, NBC, Development of a MUGA Med £75,000 for All, Reaching land owners Out Empowering Young People or Fair Share, Biffa Liaise with DRD Roads Service Traders, DRD RS Low N/A DRD RS d for signage to Maxol garage n s a
e s
c Traders/owners, i s v e
r GROW Village n i e s
S Shop front improvements BDCA, Traders High £20,000 Renewal, Big u
B Lottery Awards for All Promote the South Antrim NBC Low N/A N/A Heritage Trail Re-establish Ballynure GROW Tourism BDCA Med N/A Historical Group & Heritage
Tourist/visitor Shop owner, NBC Med £500 GROW Tourism information facility
Investigate reported Rights of GROW Tourism BDCA, NBC Med N/A Way & Heritage e
g Cost depends on a t i
r pathway material; e H
£500-£1,000
d Develop riverside walkway – n BDCA, NBC, per bin; NBC, GROW a
paving, lighting, bins, Med land owners Tourism m landscaping, public art £5,000-£10,000 s i
r public art feature; u o
T £10,000 per 100m lighting
Cost depends on extent of GROW Heritage, restoration ESME Mitchell Restoration of former mill BDCA Low required and Trust, Heritage proposed Lottery activities GROW Tourism Promote historical links BDCA Low N/A & Heritage
28 Ballynure Village Plan Delivering the Village Plan : 7.0
The preparation of the village plan has helped to highlight and remind us of the great deal of work that is already ongoing in Ballynure. Much of the existing work exemplifies best practice – community events which help bring people together and using a partnership approach to get businesses, the community and public sector bodies to work together for the betterment of the village. The existing events bring lots of interests together in an effort to get as many different people from various backgrounds to participate; the Village Fair while predominantly fun focused has elements of health, history and charity which make the event more worthwhile.
The community association has the potential to become a powerful organisation. With previous experience of applying for and securing funding, expertise and specialist skills of our members, the group has the ability to bring forward this plan. The Village Plan presents us with a real opportunity to revitalise our village and reinvigorate our community spirit. In order to deliver this Village Plan, the proactive approach used by the group needs to be continued. We can’t rely on other people to do the work for us - we all need to play our part.
© Alan Paul
Ballynure Village Plan 29 8.0 : Information Sources
BBC (2011) Translink to cut Services and make Drivers Part-Time [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14449922 [Accessed 12 August 2011]
Department for Regional Development (2008) A8 Belfast to Larne Dualling [Online] Available at: http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/roadimprovements/schemes/a8_belfast_to_larne_dualling.htm #schemeupdate10nov08 [Accessed 05 September 2011]
Department of Environment (1993) Newtownabbey Area Plan 2005 Belfast: DOE
Department of Environment (2004) Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 Belfast: DOE
Northern Ireland Housing Executive (2011) Newtownabbey District Housing Plan & Local Housing Strategy 2011/12 [Online] Available at: http://www.nihe.gov.uk/newtownabbey_district_housing_plan_2011-12.pdf [Accessed 01 August 2011]
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (2010) Area Profile of Ballynure [Online] Available at: http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/mapxtreme_towns/report.asp?SettlementName=Ballynure&band Name=Small Village, Hamlet and Open Countryside [Accessed on 12 August 2011]
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (2011) Ward Population Estimates 2008 [Online] Available at: http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/mapxtreme/DataCatalogue.asp?button=Population [Accessed on 12 August 2011]
Semple, Sir J (2007) Review into Affordable Housing [Online] Available at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/affordable_housing_final.pdf [Accessed 01 August 2011]
30 Ballynure Village Plan Appendices 9.0 : Appendix 1 - Village Meeting Publicity
Leaflet and Poster Public Notice East Antrim Gazette (31 March 2011: pg 32) Newtownabbey Times (31 March 2011: pg 49)
East Antrim Gazette (31 March 2011: pg 11)
Newtownabbey Times (31 March 2011: pg 4)
32 Ballynure Village Plan Appendix 1 - Village Meeting Publicity : 9.0
Newtownabbey Borough Council Website
GROW Website
Ballynure Village Plan 33 9.0 : Appendix 1 - Village Meeting Publicity
Leaflet and Poster Public Notice East Antrim Gazette (17 November 2011: pg 38) Newtownabbey Times (17 November 2011: pg 52)
East Antrim Gazette (17 November 2011: pg 5)
34 Ballynure Village Plan Appendix 1 - Village Meeting Publicity : 9.0
Newtownabbey Times (17 March 2011: pg 30)
Ballynure Village Plan 35 9.0 : Appendix 2 - Consultation Report
BallynureBaBallynure CConsultationonsultattioion ReportReport
OctoberOctober 22011011
Page - 1
36 Ballynure Village Plan Appendix 2 - Consultation Report : 9.0
CContentsontents
1 Consultation Process 3
22General General PPerspectiveerspective 4
3Housing3 Housing 5
44Transport Transport 6
5Env5 EEnvironmentnvironment and Heritage 7
6 CommunityCommunity DevelopmentDevelopment 9
7 Business and SServiceserv ices 1010
88Tourism Tourism 1111
9 Good Relations 1212
1010 Possible Actions, Projects and Priorities 1414
Page - 2
Ballynure Village Plan 37 9.0 : Appendix 2 - Consultation Report
1 ConsultationConsultation ProcessProcess
1.1 VMS Consults Ltd. wwasas appointed to lead consultations in regard to the ddevelopmentevelopment of a vvillageillage plan for BallynureBallynure..
1.2 FFollowingollowing an initial mmeetingeeetingeting with staff based at Antrim Borough Council the lead consultant, TommyTommy Stewart, completedcomppletedleted a site vvisitisit off the villagevillage with Briege CoyleCoyle,, the Village Renewal Facilitator. During this visitvisit key featuresfeatures and aspects of the vvillageillage were discussed.
1.3 Newtownabbey Borough Council and BallynureBallynure and District ComCommunitymunity AssoAssociationciation advertisedadvertised widely a public meetingmeeting which was held on 7 April 2011 in BallynureBallynure PrimaryPrimary School. The meetingmeeting was attended by aapproximatelypproximately 50 locall ocal residents and elected representatives.representatives. Following tthehe public mmeeting,eeting,eeting, a numnumberberber of those present exexprespressed an interest in bbeingeing invinvolvedolved in the villagevillage planning process.
1.4 DDuringuring the public mmeetingeeetingeting it was evevidentidentident that there were a numnumberber of high prioritypriority issues for local people, alongside a numnumberber of project ideas that would be seen as desirable as part of a 5 year vvillageillage plan. To examineexamine these issues further consultation was taken forward.
1.5 A consconsultationultation walkabout took place with Peter Watson, Chair of BBallynureallynure and District ComCommunitymunity Association (B&DCA), in order to gain a local perspectivperspectivee on thethe key issues. During the walkabout concerns that tthehe comcommunitymunityunity association havhavee ini n regard to the villagevillage were discusseddiscussed.. PeterPeter suggested a numnumberber of local people and groups whom he hoped would engage in the consultatconsultationion process.
1.6 A meetingmeeting was held with DevDevelopmentelopment staff at Newtownabbey Borough CouncilCouncil to discuss the consultativconsultativee process and vviewsiews that staff had in termsterms of the village’svillage’sillage’s developmentdevelopment and the issues raised at the public meeting.meeting.
1.7 WWhilsthilst somsomee elected mmembersembers were present at the publicublic meetingmeeting both a LLocalocal GovGovernmenternmentent and a StormStormontont election took place during the cconsultativeonsultative period eriod.. Therefore, after the election, all local councillors electedelected to represent the area were invitedinvitedited to a mmeetingeeting so that they had opportunity to contribute to the consultativconsultativee processprocess..
1.8 All local businesses, churches,churches, sportssports,, ccommunityommu unitynity and voluntaryvoluntary groups iinn the area were written to and givgivenen opportunity to contribute to the villageviillagellage plan consultation exexercise.ercise. A considerable numbernumbberer took the timtimee to provvidei idede written responses or comcompletepleteplete telephone intervinterviews.iews.
1.9 Local young people approached B&DCA about the consultation process and havehave been collecting signatures seeking the provisionprovision of skate/BMX facilitiesfacilities in the villagevillage.
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38 Ballynure Village Plan Appendix 2 - Consultation Report : 9.0
11.10.10 After all aspects off consultationcon had taken place an analysis of the issues rraisedaised was conducted and the consultation report compiled.compiled.
2 GeneralGeneral PerspectivePerspective
2.1 TThehe villagevillage hhasas ddevelopedeveelopedloped aandnd ggrownrown considerablyconsiderably iinn rrecentecent yyears.ears. The ppropertyroperty ddevelopmentevelopmentent bboomoom iinn tthehe years uupp ttoo 22008008 ssawaw a relativerrelativelatively ssmallmall rruralural vvillageillageillage exeexpandxpand cconsiderablyonsiderably withwith a mmixix ooff nnewew houseshouses and aapartments.partments.
2.2 TThehe villagevillage iiss ddividedividedided iinn ttwowo bbyy tthehe mmainain AA88 rroadoad bbetweenetween BBelfastelfast and Larne.Larne. TThishis iiss a vveryery bbusyusy routeroute wwithith cconsiderableonsiderable ffreightreight ttraffic.raffic. PPlanslans for a vvillageillage byby-pass-pass hhaveave bbeeneen aadvanceddvaancednced bbutut cconfirmationonfirmaationtion of ccommencementommencement ooff thethe by-passpass hashas been ddelayedelayed bbyy ccurrenturrent financial constraints.
2.3 BallynureBallynure aandnd DistrictDistrict CComCommunityommunity AssociationAssociation hhasas bbeeneen supporting villagevillage llifeife fforor mmanyany yyearsears aandnd hhasas a numnnumberumber ooff dedicated committeecomm ittee membersmembers andand vvolunteersoolunteerslunteers bbutut iiss kkeeneen ttoo seesee iitsts nnumbersumbers iincreasencrease andand in particularparticular wwouldould be kkeeneen ttoo sseeee nnewew residentsresidents bbecomeecome iinvolvednvolvolved in communitycommunity development.deveelopmlopment.
2.42.4 OfOf thosethose attendingattending thethe ppublicublic mmeetingeeting tthehe vvastast mmajorityajority hhadad llivedived iinn the villagevyears.illage foror 110+0+ years. OOnlynly a fewfew ooff thosethose wwhoho aattendedttended hhadad ccomeome ttoo lliveive inin thethe villagevillage iinn recentrecent yyears.ears. LLongeronger ttermerm rresidentsesidents ffeeleel tthathat mmanyany ooff the nnewerewer ppropertiesroperties are ooccupiedccupied bbyy ‘‘commuters’commuters’uters’ wwhoho ddoo nnotot sseemeem toto want ttoo becombecomee part of vvillageillage life.
2.5 AAllll ooff the ppeopleeople wwhoho pparticipatedarticipated iinn tthehe publicpublic mmeetingeeting aandnd tthehe ffollowollow up cconsultationonsultation bbelieveelieve tthathat BBallynureallynure iiss eithereither a ggoodood oorr a ggreatreat pplacelace to llive.ive. HHowever,owever, there aarere a rrangeange ooff concernsconcerns aaboutbout tthehe vvillage’sillage’s growth, ddevelopmentevelopment aandnd conservcconservation.onservation. AdditionallyAdditionally,, residentsresidents aarere concerned tthathat thethe village’svillage’s infrastructureinfrastructure aandnd support hhaveave nnotot ggrownrown aatt the ssameame pace as the population.
2.6 TThehe remainderremainder ooff thethe consultationationseeks reportreport seeksseeks ttoo iidentifydentify tthehe keykey issues of concern and the steps that could be taken to address these concerns.
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Ballynure Village Plan 39 9.0 : Appendix 2 - Consultation Report
33Hous HousingHous ing
3.1 InIn orderorder toto developdevelop ddiscussioniscussion iinn rregardegard ttoo hhousingousing wwee asked public meetingmeeting aattendeesttendees ttoo iidentifydentify ttheirheir kkeyey concernsconcerns ffromrom tthehe llistist shownshown in the slide below.
3.2 TheThe keykey issuesissues raisedraised bbothoth at the ppublicublic mmeetingeeting aandnd throughhrough the consultativeconsultative process wwereere iinn rregardegard ttoo the aamountmandount ooff housing aandnd the uncertaintyuncertainty iinn rregardegard ttoo wwhetherhether oorr nnotot therethere mmayay bbee ffutureuture plansplans for moremore housing in the area.
3.3 TThehe vastvast majoritymajority of tthosehose cconsultedonsulted believbbelieveelieve tthathat ttherehere iiss nnoo nneedeed for ffhousingurtherurther substantialsubstantial hhousingousing ddevelopmentevelopment in tthehe area. A largelarge numnumberber of privateprivate ssectorector hhousesouses aandnd aapartmentspartments were bbuiltuilt iinn tthehe vvillageillage iinn tthehe past ttenen years.years. WithWith thethe ppropertyroperty crashcrash a considerableconsiderable nnumberumber ooff properties rremainemain uunsoldnsold aandnd somssomeome ssitesites hhaveave bbeeneen l efteft incompleteincomplete lleadingeading to ssomeome aareasreas lookinglooking untidy. SomeSome are concerned tthathat ffutureuture zzoningoning mmayaayy allow rroomoom fforor ffurtherurther expansion,eexxpansion, pparticularlyarticularly afterafter tthehe ccompletionompletion ooff the proposed by-pass.by-pass.
3.4 IItt waswas notednoted thatthat therethere areare plansplans ttoo ddevelopevelop ““TheThe BBalladallad Inn” carcar parkpark for hhousing.ousing. DDuringuring the sstakeholdertakeholder consultation,consultation, iitt wwasas rrequestedequested tthathat the sitesite is developeddeveelopedloped sensitivsensitivelyely in keeping with the character of the area.
3.3.55 ConsulteesConsultees ddoo nnotot bbelievbelieveelieve tthathat tthehe vvillage’sillage’sillage’s iinfrastructurenfrastructure ccouldould sustain morement,ore developmdevelopment, pparticularlyarticularly ggiveniven the nnarrowarrow mmainain sstreettreet andand the difficultydifficulty crossing overoveerr the mmainainain A8, which divdividesides the vvillageillage in two.
3.3.66 RResidentsesidents aarere also cconcernedoncerned aaboutbout a nnumnumberumber ooff oolderlder unoccupied hhomesomes tthathat hhaveave fallenfallen iintonto a sstatetate of ddisrepair.isrepair. WWhilsthilst the local ccommunityommunity associationassociation has bbeeneen aableble ttoo getget ssomeome wworkork ddoneone ttoo imiimprovemprove thethe aappearanceppearance ooff somssomeome ooff tthesehese ppropertiesroperties ttherehere iiss a nneedeed fforor further wworkork inin tthishis rregardegard aandnd fforor ppropertyroperty owners ttoo ttakeake rresponsibilityesponsibility forfor their properties. Page - 5
40 Ballynure Village Plan Appendix 2 - Consultation Report : 9.0
3.3.77 CConsulteesonsultees suggest tthathat tthehe costcost ofof hhousingousing iinn BBallynureallynure iiss hhighigh by ccomparisonomparison wwithith hhousingousing iinn nneighbouringeighbouring BBallyclare.allyclare. YYoungoung peoplepeople and ffamiliesamilies ccanan tthereforeherefore ffindind iitt mmoreore aaffordableffordable ttoo mmovoveev outout ofof thethe villagevillage rather than stay in Ballynure.Ballynure.
44Tr TransportTransport
4.1 TThehe ggraphicraphic beelowlow shows the ppublicublic mmeetinge eetingeting rresponseesponse ttoo a sserieseries of iissuesssues rraisedaised iinn regardregard ttoo transport aandnd ttrafficraffic mmeasures.easures. LLocalocal people hhadad a numnumberber of specific concerns that required follow up consultations.
4.2 The issueissue ooff greatesstt concernconcern iiss the proposalsproposals tthathat hhaveave been announcedannounced iinn rregardegard ttoo tthehe iintendedntended route ooff tthehe BBallynureallynure AA88 by--pass.pass. MostMost consulteesconsultees bbelievbelieveelieve tthathat tthehe rrouteoute cchosenhosen iiss nnotot tthehe oonene tthathat they wouldwould pprefer.refer. They hhaveave cconcernoncern fforor how tthehe by-ppassass willwill iimpactm pactpact on famifamilly, y, social, economeconomicic and comcommunitymunity life.
4.3 InIn tthehe moremore immediateimmeediatediate ffutureuture tthehe ggreatestreatest concernconcern rrelateselates ttoo tthehe junction oonn thethe A8A8 thatthat seversseversers tthehe vvillage.illage. IItt iiss ffeltelt tthathat thethe A8A8 junctionjunction iiss a mmajorajor rroadoad ssafetyafety cconcernoncern forfor aallll llocalocal rresidents,esidents, particularllyy givengiven tthehe factfact that tthehe pprimaryrimary schoolschool andand pparkark aarere oonn tthehe wwestest ssideide ooff tthehe AA88 whereaswhereas the bbusinessusiness hhearteart ooff thethe vvillageillage iiss oonn tthehe eeastast side. AAlsolso throughthrough the sstakeholdertakeholder consultation,consultation, rresidentsesidents hhighlightedighlighted tthehe nneedeed fforor tthehe creation of a pedestrian crossingcrossingsing between the primprimaryary school and the park.
4.4 LLocalocal rresidentsesidents believbbelieveelieve tthathat wwiringiring iiss aalreadylready iinn pplacelace fforor ttrafficraffic lightslights to bbee iinstallednstalled aatt tthehe junctionjunction aandnd aarere ccallingalling fforor RRoadsoads SServiceervice ttoo advaadvancedvance plansplans fforor ttrafficraffic llightight iinstallation,nstallation, eevenven oonn a liimitedimmthisited ttimeime bbasis.asis. IIff this isis not possible rresidentsesidents areare sseekingeeking ssomeome formform ooff iinterimnterim aactionction thatthat can address this issue.
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4.5 A rrelatedelated iissuessue iiss tthathat llocalocal ppeopleeople believbbelieveelieve tthathat mmotoristsotorists aandnd freight ttrafficraffic areare repeatedly ffailingailing ttoo oobservebserve tthehe 4040 mmphph speedeed llimitimit oonn thethe A8 andand ssurroundingurrounding locallocal roads resultingresulting iinn aann iincreasedncreased rriskisk ooff serious accidents.accidents. ConsulteesConsultees ccalledalled fforor ggreaterreater enforcemeenforcementnforcement ooff tthehe sspeedpeed llimitimit and consideration of electronic speed signs.
4.6 TheThe availabilityavailability ooff publicpublic ttransportransport iiss said toto bebe relativelyrelatively ggood,ood, iinn that manymany bbusus servicesservices passpass tthroughhrough tthehe vvillageillage. However,However, manymany ddoo nnotot stop, lealeaddinging ttoo villagersvillagers feelingfeeling that theythey havehave iinadequatenadequate aaccessccess ttoo sservservices,ervices, particularlyparticularly iinn tthehe eeveveningvening ttimeime aandnd duringduring sschoolchool hholidayoliday periods. Consultationion wwithith locallocal ggroupsroups aalsolso rraisedaised concernsconcerns tthathat bbetteretter transport ooptionsptions aarere requiredrequired fforor ooverver 660’s0’s ssoo tthathat ttheyhey hhaveave opportunityopportunity to mmaximiseaximise tthehe uusese ofof theirtheir ppasses.asses. CConsulteesonsultees aalsolso suggestedsuggested that considerationconsideration bbee ggivenivenen ttoo a vvolunteerolunteer ttransportransport sschemecheme to assist those with no access to suitable transporttransport..
4.7 A numbernumber ofof ffootpathsootpaths inin tthehe villagesvillages are iinn nneedeed ooff mmaintenanceaintenanceaintenance and repair. TheThe ssectionection ooff the UlsterUlster Way tthathat passespasses throughthrough tthehe vvillageillageillage is in needneed of maintenance,maintenance, signage and upkeep.
5 EEnvironmentnvironment andand HeritageHHereritage
5.1 EEnvironmentnvironment wwasas aanothernother ttopicopic ooff considerable interestinterest ttoo locallocal people. LLocalocal ppeopleeople hhaveave a rrangeange ooff cconcernsoncerns iinn regardregard ttoo tthehe eenvironmentnvironmeentnt that ttheyhey bbelieveelieve could bbee rrelativelyelatively easilyeasily addressed.addressed. TTheyhey also havhhaveave concernsconcerns aaboutbout mmattersattersatters ooff hheritage.eritage. TThehe vvilillagelage hhasas a hhistoricistoric connection ttoo a nnumberumber ooff ssignificantignificant ppeopleeople including JJonathanonathan SSwift,wift, MMarkark Twain,Twain, JJohnohn MacomMacombb and Sam Houston.
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5.2 The area around and through the subway was raised by many consultees. There is a need for improved lighting in the subway so that people can feel safer walking through it. The graffiti art in the subway needs refreshed or replaced. The approaches to the subway need environmental improvements and there is a need to address a problem with flooding in the area that leads into the subway. Vandalism continues to be an issue of concern with young people hanging around causing residents to be afraid to use the subway at night.
5.3 Vandalism has also been a problem at the park with damage caused to play equipment, seating and the war memorial. Local people would like to see the open space improved and developed including the provision of lighting which might deter some of the antisocial behaviour.
5.4 Japanese Knotweed is becoming very invasive and will be a major issue if not addressed effectively. Therefore consultees were keen to see this be addressed as soon as possible.
5.5 Vacant properties and vacant pockets of land are environmental concerns to most residents. The public would like to see landlords and owners held to account for their properties. There was a call for Council to consider seeking ownership of some small pockets of land in the village for which there appears to be no owner.
5.6 Some local people would like to see development of a pathway along the river to the old mill but it is thought there may be issues in regard to rights of way and limitations due to the building of property on or adjacent to the pathway in recent years. Consultees also called for the development of Highway to Health route.
5.7 Much could be done to promote further the historical link of the village to Jonathan Swift and to Sam Houston and Mark Twain. Whilst a booklet relating to the history of Ballynure was published some years ago, there were calls for more accessible information to be made available about the village’s history and heritage. It was suggested this information be researched and collated on the village website and made available in local shops in the form of information leaflets.
5.8 General cleanliness of the village was also a concern. People feel that there are not enough public bins in the village and bins are not emptied often enough. Dog fouling is a considerable problem with people not disposing of it properly.
5.9 Green spaces in the village need to be preserved. The community association are seeking to work in partnership with Council, Department for Regional Development and other agencies to have grass areas cut and maintained and are seeking to maintain flowerbeds with the limited time and financial resources that they have.
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5.10 FFencingencing bbetweenetween tthehe PPresbyterianresbyterian CChurchhurch aandnd tthehe AA88 nneedseeds rreplacedeplaced to enhanceenhance the appearance of the area and to imimproveprove safety.
5.11 InIn termsterms ofof conservationconservationation,, plansplans areare currentlycurrently underwayway toto improveimpprovrove the maintenancemaintenance ooff the ‘Corpse‘Corpse House’House’ inin thethe graveyard.graveyard. HoweverHowever locals wouldwould aalsolso llikeike ttoo sseeee cconservationonservation iinn relationrelation ttoo tthehe rremainsemains ooff the formerformer mill.mill.
6 CommunityCommunity DDevelopmenteveloopmpment
6.1 WWhenhen asked about wwiderider ccommunityommunity ddevelopmentevelopmelopment issues, the therere were clearly twotwo areasareas ofof cconcern;oncern; bbeingeing kkeptept informiinformednformed aandnd tthehe nneedeed fforor sports and play facilities.
6.2 ChildrenChildren aandnd pparentsarents wwouldould llikeike ttoo sseeee tthehe pplaylay pparkark equipmeequipmentquipment revampedrevamped withwith playplay ooptionsptions fforor youngeryounger aandnd oolderlder children and consideration of provisionprovision of an ‘outdoor‘outdoor gym’gym’.
6.3 A groupgroup ooff youngoung people havehave sstartedtarted a petitionpetition aass they areare keenkeen toto see skateboard/BMXskateboard/BMX ffacilities.acilities. A ffewew cconsulteesonsultees hhaveave ssuggesteduggested tthathat this couldcould bebe aachievedchieved bbyy the iinclusionnclusion ooff ssomeome rrampsamps iinn tthehe pplaylay parkpark for sskateboarderskateboarders and BMX riders.
6.4 ThereThere aarere a cconsiderableonsiderable nnumberumber ooff young ppeopleeople iinn tthehe vvillage.illage. SSomeome consulteesconsultees bbelieveelieve tthathat a yyouthouth drop--inin centre ccouldould hhelpelp ttoo ppositivpositivelyositively engageengage yyoungoung ppeopleeople aandnd pperhapserhaps contributecontribute ttoo aaddressingddressing ssomeome ooff the antisocialantisocial bbehaviourehaviour pproblemsroblems inc lludinguding teenageteenage aalcohollcohol consumcconsumptiononsumption. There wwasas a callcall for there to be a youth worker ememployedployed in the vvillage.illage.
6.6.55 WWithinithin BallynureBallynure therethere iiss nnoo ffullull ssizedized ffootballootball ppitchitch tthathat ccanan bbee uusedsed by tthehe llocalocal ffootballootball teamtteams.eams. AAss a rresultesult llocalocal teamtteamseams ttrainrain iinn Ballycclare lare and pplaylay ttheirheir hhomeome gamgameses aawayway ffromrom tthehe vvillage.illage.illage. OOnene llocalocal cclublub iiss seeking Page - 9
44 Ballynure Village Plan Appendix 2 - Consultation Report : 9.0
pplanninglanning ppermissionermission fforor a ffootballootball ppitchitch oonn ffarmarm llandand jjustust ooutsideutside the vvillage.illage.
6.6.66 OtherOther sportssports clubs inin tthehe vvillageillage includeinclude thethe rrecentlyecently fformedormed Ballynure LadiesLadies HHockeyockey Teameam.eam. TThehe clubclub wouldwould llikeike toto hhaveave mmoreore ffacilitiesacilities locally soso thatthat theythey couldcould startstart youth teams,teams, pproviding provroviding a ppositiveositive activactivityity for yyoungoung ppeopleeople iinn thethe aarea.rea. HHoweverowever there iiss nnoo proailableovvisionision aavailablevailable in Ballynure.
6.76.7 IInn termsterms ofof communitycommunityunity awarenessawareness llocalocal peopplele wwouldould bbee kkeeneen f foror the ffurtherurther developmentdevelopment ooff tthehe vvillageillage wwebsiteebsite aass a ppointoint for coco-ordination-oordinationrdination of local iinformationnformation with with informationinformation alsoalso ppublishedublished vviaia FFacebookacebook and Twitter. OthersOthers wouldw ould llikeike ttoo sseeee tthishis informationiinformnformation aavailablevailable oonn a public noticeboard and for therethere toto bebe a regular oopenpen ccommunityommunity mmeetingeetingeeting at whichwhich iinformationnformation iiss shared. LLocalocal ggroupsroups are also callingcalling fforor therethere ttoo be a sharedshared ppublicublic eeventventsents diarydiary ssoo tthathat ggroups roups ccanan pplanlan aactivitiesctivities without therethere being duplication or without therethere being clashes inin the diary.
6.6.88 IInn termsterms ooff communitycommuunitynity sspiritpirit mostmost bbelieveelieve therethere ttoo bbee a ggoodood spirit iinn the villagevillage aalthoughlthough ssomeome ffeeleel tthathat mmoreore needs ttoo bbee ddoneone ttoo iintegratentegrate older aandnd nnewerewer residents. PPeopleeople ffeeleel iisolatedsolated in ttheirheir hhomesomes wwithith nowherenowhere to gogo duringduring tthehe day andand tthehe nneedeed fforor a vvolunteerolunteerolunteer vvisitingisiting sserviceervice ttoo isolated andand vulnerablevuulnerablelnerable people in the villagevillage.
6.9 ToTo assistassist withwith thethe provisionpprovrovision ooff ccommunityommunity sservserviceservices tthehe llocalocal ccommunityommunity associationassociation wwouldould llikeike ttoo sseeee mmoreore ppeopleeople bbecomingecoming iinvolvednvolved in communitycommunity aactivitctivities aandnd tthehe pprovisionrovision ooff aadditionaldditional ffinancialinancial assistance to enable the work to be progressed.
6.6.1010 ThereThere isis nono ccommunityommunityunity ccentreentre iinn tthehe vvillage.illage.illage. Howeverer locallocal ppeopleeople are realisticrealistic in tthathat theythey dodo nnotot expectexpect toto ggetet a communityccomommunity centrecentre iinn tthehe near future.future. Thereforeerefore therethere isis a needneed ttoo ccontinueontinue ppublicublic uusagesage ooff tthehe church hallshalls aandnd tthehe llocalocal primpprimaryrimary school. ThisThis mmay ayay mmeanean tthathat therethere isis a needneed to seekseek funding for the overheadoverhead costs incurred for public usage.
6.116.11 ItIt isis seenseen asas importantimportantportant tthathat therethere areare keykey public eventsevents tthathat allall vvillagersillagers cancan attendattend soso tthathat communitycomcommunity sspiritpirit ccanan be ffurtherurther ddeveloped.eveloped. OOnene such keykey eventevent iiss tthehe vvillageillageillage ffairair wwhichhich hhasas pprovedroveedd mmostost ssuccessfuluccessful iinn creating aann aannualnnual ffocalocal ppointoint fforor vvillageillage llife.ife. IItt wouldwould bbee iimportantmportant tthathat tthehe fair continuescontinueses and is enhanced in the years to comcome.e.
77Bus BBusinessusiness aandnd ServicesServices
7.1 MManyany ofof local businesseess areare located withinwithin tthehe vvillageillage Main Street/Carrickfergus RRoadoad aarea.rea. IInn aadditionddition ttherehere aarere a nnumberumberber of businesses based along the busy A8 carriagewaycarriageway..
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7.2 LocalLocal ppeopleeople are reallyreally concernedconcerned aaboutbout tthehe rrunun ddownown nnatureature of ssomeome rretailetail aandnd ddomesticomestic propertiesproperties aandnd bbelieveelieve tthathat a sstreettreet ffrontagerontage schemsschemecheme could help enhance the appearance of the key business area.
7.3 TThehe villagevillage iiss wwellell servsservederved iinn ttermserms ooff rretailetail aandnd ssupportupport servvicesices including the incorporation of a post office within one of the stores.
7.4 CConsulteesonsultees ddoo nnotot feelfeel ttherehere iiss mmuchuch nneedeed fforor aann eexpansionxpansion in retail sserviceservices inin tthehe vvillage.illage.illage. TTheyhey bbelieveelieve tthathat therethere iiss tthehe rrightight balancebalance fforor a vvillageillage ooff tthehe ssizeize andand natureature ooff Ballynure.Ballynure. TTherehere iiss hhoweverowever concern aaboutbout thethe aadversedverse effect thethe by-will-passpass will hhaveave oonn ssomeome businesses, especiallyespecially those on the mmainain A8 corridor.
7.5 UUnemploymentnemployment iiss of cconcernoncern ttoo llocalocal ppeopleeople wwithith iimprovedmproved accessaccess to ppublicublic ttransportransport beingbeing linked ttoo thethe needneed for locallocal ppeopleeople ttoo bbee mmobileobileobile so tthathat theythey cancan traveltravel toto workwork opportunitiesopportunities iinn LLarne,arne, BBallyclare,allyclare, BBelfastelfast and beyond.
8 TTourismourism
8.1 MMostost BallynureBallynure residentsresidents wwouldould nnotot sseeee ttheirheir vvillageillage aass bbeingeing a tourist attraction.attraction. HoweverHowever consulteesconsultees raised thethe pointpoint tthathat tthousandshousands ooff tourist ppassass tthroughhrough tthehe vvillageiillagellage eeachach yyearear aass they mmakeake ttheirheir wwayay ttoo aandnd from the port of Larne.
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8.2 IfIf touriststourists areare ttoo stop inin Ballynure,people, locallocal ppeopleeople bbelieveelieve ttherehere nneedseeds ttoo be moremore iinformationnformation vvisibleiisiblesible aandnd aavailablevailable to them.themthem. EEntrancentrance signagesignage that denotesdenotes tthehe historic llinkink ttoo SSwift,wift, TTwainwain aandnd HHoustonouston wwasas suggested alongsidealongside wwebsiteebsite informiinformation,nformation, hheritageeritage lleafletseaflets aandnd iinterpretativenterpretative panels being placed aatt key sites.
8.3 ItIt isis feltfelt thatthat locallocal ggroupsroups ccouldould ccomeome together toto moremore eeffectivelyffectively marketm arket thethe historichistoric links. OOnene cconsulteeonsultee ccalledalled forfor ttherehere ttoo bbee ‘‘BigBig Picture’ thinkingthinking aandnd ffeltelt that tthishis ccouldould lleadead ttoo tthehe devddevelopmentevelopment ooff a hheritageeritage trail andand the potential for walking groups to comecome to the vvillage.illage.
8.4 Opportunity shouldshould aalso lso bbee ttakenaken bbyy CCouncilouncil aandnd tthehe TTouristourist BBoardoard to promotepromote tthehe rrichich hhistoricistoric hheritageeritage ooff tthehe area. HoweverHowever ssomeome f feltelt that therethere iiss nnotot sufficientsufficient ootherther sserviceservices iinn thethe vvillageillageillage ttoo ccauseause ttouristsourists to stop.
9 GoodGood RelationsRelations
9.1 VillagersVillagers bbelieveelieve tthat,hat, oonn the whole,whole, therethere aarere ppositiveositive ggoodood relations withinwithin thethe vvillageillageillage wwithith rreligiouseligious oorr rracialacial backgroundbackground nnotot beingbeing ssomethiomethingething thatthat manymany givegive thoughought t to.
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9.2 However flags are an issue of concern. There is an agreement that a national flag flies all year round on a flag pole on the green. However many consultees are concerned that there can be flags erected, not always by locals, that are left flying well beyond the marching season. These flags can then fall into disrepair and can become unsightly. There was a call for a localised agreement to be established for accepted flags to fly for an agreed period annually.
9.3 The religious profile of Ballynure would be predominantly Protestant. Whilst sectarianism can occur it is felt that Ballynure does not experience significant amounts of sectarianism.
9.4 A positive example of good relations is the joint Easter services held by the three local churches. Such positive steps should be promoted and encouraged in years to come.
9.5 A number of Eastern Europeans live in the village but there does not seem to be a significant issue with racism. Consultees were keen that Ballynure be seen as a village that is welcoming and inclusive to people regardless of their background.
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10 PPossible Possiossible AActions,ctions, ProjectsProojjects andand PrioritiesPriorities
TThehe tabletable ssetsets ooutut ssomeome optional actionsactions aandnd projects tthathat ccouldould be consideredconsidered for inclusion in Ballynure Village Plan.
TThematichematic IIssuessPoue PPossibleorssible AActionscetions oro PProjectsrojeSucts SSuggesteduggested PrPPriorityriority1
HHousingousing ! LLiaisoniaison wwithith pplplannerslaannernners ttoo sseekeek llimitimit oonn ffutureututure ddevelopmenteveloopmpment of M hhousingousing ! LiaisonLiaison wwithith homhhomeome oownwnersers whowho hhaveave aallowedll owowed ttheirheir ppropertiesroperties S toto gogo iintonto declinedecline ! AApplyingpplying ppressureressure ttoo sseeee uunfinishednfinished bbuildinguilding ssitesites eeitherither S ffinishedinished oorr llefteftft iinn a nnee at, tidytidy andand safesa fe cocconditionondition ! SSensitiveensitive redevelopmentredev“Tadvelopment ooff “Thhee BBalladall Inn”Inn” carcar parkpar k M
TTransportransport ! IInterimnovemterim iimprmproovementsvements ttoo AA88 jjunctionunction wwithith a llongeronger ttermserms S & L ssolutionolution ttoo iimprovemprove ssafetyafety aandnd aaccessccess ! MMeasureseasures aadopteddopted ttoo hhelpelp rreduceeduce sspeedpeed tthroughhrough tthehe vvillageillage S ! LLiaisoniRoaison wwithith RoadsRotads SServiceervice inin regardregard ttoo tthehe iimpactmpact ooff tthehe pproposedroposed rrouteoute fforor tthehe AA88 by-s-passpas M ! SSeekingeeking ttoo iincreasencrrbusease tthehe numbernumber ooff bus sserviceservices tthathat sstoptop iinn tthehe villagevillage aandnd iincreasencrease aavailabilityvailability ooff sserviceservices iinn tthehe S eeveningsvenings aandnd wweekendseekends ! IImprovementsmprovements to UUlsterlster WWayay rrouteoute ! DDevelopmentevelopment ooff HHighwayighway ttoo HHealthealth aandnd rriversideiverside wwalkalk M ! PPedestrianedestrian ccrossingrossing bbetweenetween PPrimaryrimary SScSchoolchool aandnd tthehe pparkark L ! IImprovementsmprovements ttoo ffootpathsootpaths tthathat needneed rresurfacingesurfacing oorr nnewew M kkerbingerbing M
EnvironmentEnvironment ! DDevelopmentevelopment ooff hheritageeritage iinformation,nformation, lliteratureiterature aandnd ssignageignage S andand HeritageHeritage ttoo buildbuild oonn hhistoricistoric cconnectiononnection vvillageillage hhasas ttoo SSwift,wift, TTwainwain andand HoustonHouston ! EnhaEnshancementsncements aandnd iimprovementsmprovements ttoo ssubwayubwubway aarearea iincluding,ncluding, M lighting,lighting, ddrainage,rainage, ssafetyafety aandnd ddécorécor ! ImprovementsImprovements ttoo tthehe eenvironmentnvironment iinn aayaandnd aaroundround tthehe playpl M parkpark andand wwarar mmemorialemorial aarearea ! RRemovalemoval oorr ttreatmentreatment ooff JJapaneseapanese KKnotwneedotweed throughtouthroug hout S tthehe villagevillage ! SeekSeek ttoo havehave CCfCouncouncilil ttakeake oownershipwnership ooff ppocketsockets ooff llandand tthathat L seemseem nnotot ttoo bbee aanyone’snyone’s rresponsibilityesponsibility
1 S- ShortShort TTerm,T-erm, M-MediumM Me-Longdium Term,Term, L-Long LLong TermTerm
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! Consideration of potential to develop pathway to Old Mill L and pathway to Sixmilewater Leisure Centre in Ballyclare ! Redevelopment of ‘Corpse House’ S ! Consideration of a redevelopment / conservation project at L the Old Mill ! Environmental clean-up of village, cutting of unkept grass S areas and enhancements to planting of flowers and shrubs ! Replacement of fencing between Presbyterian Church and A8 M
Community ! Redevelopment of play park as a multi-purpose space for M Development young and older children ! Consideration of an area for skateboarders / BMX riders M/L ! Development of a full sized football pitch within the village M/L ! Further development and regular updating of village website ! Co-ordinated use of Twitter and Facebook to promote the S village ! Increased involvement of local people in community Throughout development activities ! Development of a youth drop-in facility and provision of a Throughout paid youth worker ! Local groups having ability to post activities on a ‘village M diary’ which could be hosted on the village website ! Support package to enable greater community usage of S church and school halls. M
Business and ! Maintaining current range of business and service provision Throughout Services that exists within the village ! Street frontage improvements and enhancements to the rear M of some premises ! Research study in regard to the impact the new A8 by-pass M will have on business and services in years to come
Tourism ! Improved signage on entry to the village so that tourists are S aware of the villages history ! Information leaflets available in shops and interpretative S panels available for tourists and visitors ! Big Picture thinking in regard to marketing of the villages M heritage and history to visitors ! Promotion of village by Council and by the NI Tourist Board M
Good Relations ! Agreement on nature of flags flown and the duration for S which they are flown
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AppendixAppendindix A MapMap ofof BallynureBallynure VillageVillage
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Ballynure Village Plan 51