John Montgomery – Bangor Central

North Down and Ards

Bangor is failing, first it was the Ulster Bank now Danske Bank is leaving our Main Street. We often complain that the town is full of Banks, Building Societies and charity Shops. At this rate it will only be Charity shops left to complain about, the ones who pay no rates!!

The rot really set in with the introduction of the Ards and North Down Council, we have been the underdogs ever since. North Down councillors couldn’t even support the originally proposed name let alone stand up for what our towns in North Down need.

Is it time therefore to return some pride to North Down, and perhaps return some Councillors with backbone, by campaigning to return the Boroughs name to what it was supposed to be.

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It is noted by many, both inside Council and outside that Ards rules the roost. Time to send a clear message, North Down will no longer be put on the back foot. The name of this Borough is North Down and Ards.

What lies beneath

Recent posts highlight the damage done to our granite footpaths, I am also concerned at the lack of absolute assurance the the concrete subfloor will not be re established along with the granite.

The associated photos, I hope, illustrate the work and cost that went into the provision of this subfloor. It was a massive undertaking at public expense and cannot be allowed to be replaced with quarry dust and the like.

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NDDO are recruiting for the Exploring Enterprise 4 Programme!!

Exploring Enterprise Programme (EEP) is a FREE programme which provides an insight into becoming self employed or allows you to take the first steps to gaining employment.
You don’t need to have a business to join and you can get a free qualification in business enterprise
Why not sign up for and get help to ‘explore’ your options of self employment or employment either on a part time or full time basis! now is YOUR time to explore YOUR options!

To be eligible for this programme you must be:
• Aged 16 or over
• Legally able to reside and work in the UK
• Unemployed/inactive or working/studying less than 16 hours per week; and
• Not participating in any other government funded programme
This is a free programme that helps you take the 1st steps to gaining employment or exploring your business idea further. Why not give us a call to find out more on 028 9127 1525 or email; mail@nddo.co.uk
This is an Enterprise Northern Ireland initiative which is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020, the Department for the Economy, Local Enterprise Agencies and Ards and North Down Borough Council

Emma Pearson
Business Development Manager
North Down Development Organisation Limited
Enterprise House
2-4 Balloo Avenue
Balloo Industrial Estate
Bangor
Co. Down
BT19 7QT

Tel: 028 9127 1525
E Mail: emma@nddo.co.uk
Facebook: @NDDOBusiness
Website: www.nddo.co.uk

The birdbox served well for many years until last summer some invaders arrived.

Bees seemed to need a new home and had a liking for the birdbox. The birdbox was located in the corner of the garden so we didn’t mind.

For whatever reason the bees suddenly disappeared. Now the box has been cleaned and sterilised ready for its normal occupants.

Buzz

They just buzzed off.

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Tree population must be maintained

Such a shame to see such damage to the tree population of Castle Park following the recent storm.

In order that future generations are able to enjoy the park as we have, Council must engage in an ambitious replacement programme.

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Friday, 29 March 2019 from 18:00-21:00

Experience art at North Down Museum!

The historic museum building will be filled with art for everyone to enjoy. Try clay work, painting, print-making and lots more. Take the opportunity to watch artists at work, get stuck in or just sit back, relax and enjoy the music!
This free event is fun for all the family.

Bangor Ladies Choir will hold their annual concert in Bangor Elim Complex at 7:30 pm on Saturday 11 May. Tickets are £20 and are available from :-
Bangor Visitor Information Centre 02891270069,
Ards Visitor Information Centre 02891826846.
Bangor Elim Complex www.ticketsource.co.uk/bangorelimcomplex
Box Office 03336663366
or from any choir member.

The choirs guest this year is the excellent local artist Peter Corry and Band. We were luck enough to hear Peter Corry preforming the role of Inspector Javert in the West End production of “Les Miserables”, he was excellent. We can expect a similarly marvellous performance from both Peter and the Choir.

Book Your Tickets Online Here

Bangor Ladies Choir

Peter Corry

Superb exhibition running in North Down Museum highlighting how Northern Ireland was a place of refuge for those fleeing from Nazi Germany.

The accompanying leaflet states :- “During the war, members of the Belfast Hebrew Congregation, now known as the Belfast Jewish Community, answered the call to defend our freedoms and many of their powerful testimonies are relived in the exhibition. “

It is a superb and for us unusual exhibition which is well worth a visit. Certainly bring the children along in order that the effects of tyranny are not forgotten through the generations.

Runs Tuesday 8 January to Sunday 3 February.

Bangor hospital is inadequate for a town this size. Even it’s car park is not fit for purpose.

There was a campaign a few years ago asking it be replaced.

At the time two of our MLA’s had a role in the health remit at Stormont. They were found lacking.

Perhaps it’s time to revisit the provision of a hospital in Bangor, we deserve it.

Shameful increase in graffiti around the town.

It seems Council can’t keep up with the very expensive task of removal.

Nonetheless it is a task that must be treated with urgency.