Carnalea Halt - leads the way
Carnalea Residents Association was formed almost one year ago and since that time they have been busy addressing issues to improve the surrounding area. One of their main schemes has been the question - how to improve our railway station?
They contact me and with a very willing band under the auspices of the Chairperson Mrs Elizabeth Porter we contacted Translink. Mr Philip Blair from Translink, was immediately impressed with the proposed scheme and the idea of a joint venture with regard to the station. Several meetings have taken place and each time the enthusiasm for the scheme grows.
Elizabeth said "Translink have promised new lighting, better signage, repointing of the station walls and eventually new and better shelters. Residents are also keen to develop the garden areas adjacent to the platforms so that they are more attractive and colourful and to encourage wildlife. We already have birds such as Sparrowhawks, Robins, Blackcaps and Long-Tailed Tits using the station area for feeding and nesting and we would like to encourage this and make the area more attractive for everyone who uses it and lives nearby. We have a number of keen gardeners in our Association and we are looking forward to working with Translink to improve the environment here. We are grateful to Councillor Marion Smith for her help and encouragement with this project.
Commenting on the in initiative Translink's Philip Blair, Route Manager for the Bangor line said "It is marvelous to have such enthusiasm from the community. We look forward to working with the residents in the refurbishment of the Halt. In the next week or so, Translink will paint, re-point and re-bed the planting areas. Following this we will work closely with the residents supplying the materials and shrubbery needed to design and maintain the area. We are also delighted with the involvement of the Institute and local school in upgrading the underpass.
We have had several productive meetings with the group and feel certain that our rail passengers and the locals will benefit from this initiative. In fact they may be eligible to enter our new "Community" category of the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition. If any other groups are interested in getting involved in North Down please contact Bangor Rail and Bus Centre or 02891271143"
I am positive that this scheme highlights just how much can be achieved when it is a joint community venture. The North Down & Ards Institute have been enthusiastic to our query to the idea of repainting the underpass making it much brighter and more people friendly as well the lighting will be upgraded. I am also delighted that the local primary school will also take part in this painting scheme and have a few other ideas on this subject. Translink has been very positive and encouraging towards every suggestion put forward and a real pleasure to work with. Along with the residents, the Institute, the local Primary School, primarily Translink, and myself we hope to make Carnalea Halt the best station on the line between Belfast and Bangor or even Northern Ireland!
They contact me and with a very willing band under the auspices of the Chairperson Mrs Elizabeth Porter we contacted Translink. Mr Philip Blair from Translink, was immediately impressed with the proposed scheme and the idea of a joint venture with regard to the station. Several meetings have taken place and each time the enthusiasm for the scheme grows.
Elizabeth said "Translink have promised new lighting, better signage, repointing of the station walls and eventually new and better shelters. Residents are also keen to develop the garden areas adjacent to the platforms so that they are more attractive and colourful and to encourage wildlife. We already have birds such as Sparrowhawks, Robins, Blackcaps and Long-Tailed Tits using the station area for feeding and nesting and we would like to encourage this and make the area more attractive for everyone who uses it and lives nearby. We have a number of keen gardeners in our Association and we are looking forward to working with Translink to improve the environment here. We are grateful to Councillor Marion Smith for her help and encouragement with this project.
Commenting on the in initiative Translink's Philip Blair, Route Manager for the Bangor line said "It is marvelous to have such enthusiasm from the community. We look forward to working with the residents in the refurbishment of the Halt. In the next week or so, Translink will paint, re-point and re-bed the planting areas. Following this we will work closely with the residents supplying the materials and shrubbery needed to design and maintain the area. We are also delighted with the involvement of the Institute and local school in upgrading the underpass.
We have had several productive meetings with the group and feel certain that our rail passengers and the locals will benefit from this initiative. In fact they may be eligible to enter our new "Community" category of the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition. If any other groups are interested in getting involved in North Down please contact Bangor Rail and Bus Centre or 02891271143"
I am positive that this scheme highlights just how much can be achieved when it is a joint community venture. The North Down & Ards Institute have been enthusiastic to our query to the idea of repainting the underpass making it much brighter and more people friendly as well the lighting will be upgraded. I am also delighted that the local primary school will also take part in this painting scheme and have a few other ideas on this subject. Translink has been very positive and encouraging towards every suggestion put forward and a real pleasure to work with. Along with the residents, the Institute, the local Primary School, primarily Translink, and myself we hope to make Carnalea Halt the best station on the line between Belfast and Bangor or even Northern Ireland!
posted by Marion Smith at 5:52 AM
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