'I have watched the people of Craigavon struggle and fight to survive...'
Good morning. It's newsletter number 99 – quite fitting that our 100th on Friday will be announcing the winner of our £1,000 voucher giveaway to celebrate our 10th birthday. If you haven't already entered you can do so here.
Today, we're sharing this Letter to Editor sent to us by Carol Lindsay, from Lurgan. If you want to share your thoughts/opinion please send them to info@armaghi.com or simply reply to this email.
Well, I'm sitting here beside the Craigavon Lakes reflecting on my memories of growing up in Brownlow. We arrived in 1970 and from the age of 11 I watched it being built up and knocked down and rebuilt. When the original leisure centre opened there was a display of photographs showing what the New City could look like.
Today, I see that aspiration turn to reality in the photographs I have taken (below). I have watched the people of Craigavon struggle and fight to survive in the New City with poor mental health, high crime and domestic violence rates. But they held on and they survived. During these difficult years the saving grace was 'The Lakes' – a place to go when hearts were heavy and sadly some ended their life there, including a friend of mine whose car rolled into the water and she drowned. So, ABC Council open your minds and your hearts; this is not just a piece of land to be sold to SRC. This is a sacred space to many, myself included. I remember cycling across the red tiles at the bottom of the lakes before it was filled with water. I also remember the great joy it brought to the people who had endured the barren landscape that was Craigavon. My bottom line is SRC, you do not belong in this park, it belongs to the hearts and souls of everyone who ever lived here and walked its pathways. To work with a council that, in my opinion, has never cared about Craigavon – to bully your way into this so much-needed park against the wishes of the people is, in my eyes, sacrilege.
Headlines
It got a bit catty in the ABC Council chamber last night...Bin men ‘task and finish’ concerns allayed as councillor’s DUP strike remarks branded ‘pathetic’
Nurse’s car damaged as ‘sickening’ wheelie bin vandals return
In Pictures: Second annual ‘Harry’s Day’ at Armagh golf club a roaring success
Investigation launched following arson attack at house in Tandragee
Two men driving from ‘Armagh 2 Africa’ to raise money for the Cancer Fund for Children
Armagh advice centre bracing itself for ‘explosion’ of people seeking help as living costs rise
Bessbrook man accused of having £450k coke gets bail change for ‘final night’ with partner
Wreaths at Narrow Water memorial in Warrenpoint removed and damaged
Banbridge restaurant owners ‘stepping back’ as wider hospitality industry suffers
Craigavon duo accused of Tandragee burglary to face Crown Court
Working life is one big adventure for comic Co Armagh superhero artist Ruairi
County Armagh man who sexually assaulted nine-year-old niece jailed
Burial plots in Newry city cemetery running out
Latest round of grants in memory of inspirational south Armagh community worker
Man accused of stealing pensioner’s purse as she partook in communion at Newry Cathedral
Family of tragic Banbridge schoolboy help raise staggering £122,524 in his memory
Jacqueline ‘buzzing’ after ringing bell at New York Stock Exchange
Keady priest accused of voyeurism in shopping centre has stepped down, court hears
Property...
For Sale: 18 Keady Road, Newry – Armagh I — www.armaghi.com
A stunning five bedroom dormer bungalow which occupies an elevated position affording views across open countryside to Slieve Gullion and the Cooley Mountains.
For Sale: 25 Castle View Park, Richhill – Armagh I — www.armaghi.com
Positioned in the centre of Richhill Conservation Village, this quaint cottage style home has three bedrooms, spacious living room, modern kitchen, off street parking and stunning woodland style rear gardens.
Commercial Rental: 74a Legacorry Road, Richhill – Armagh I — www.armaghi.com
This detached commercial unit provides 300sqft of retail space, significant parking and sits adjacent established businesses including a prominent cafe/restaurant.
Jobs...
Education Authority have added several vacancies to Armagh Jobs with a requirement for Catering Assistants, Cooks and a Senior Unit Catering Supervisor to be employed across a number of schools in the area.
Family run Killeen Hardware have an opening for a Bathrooms and Plumbing Store person to join their team.
GCS Solicitors are delighted to be recruiting two legal secretaries to work in their Conveyancing/Wills & Probate and Litigation Departments.
Traynors Ltd, based just off the Moy Road, have a requirement for a Car Parts Sales Advisor on a full time basis to assist with the sale of quality used car parts.
Recycling Association's Vice-President Celine Grant shares her vision for the future - Armagh Jobs — armaghjobs.com
Celine Grant, who was recently appointed the Recycling Association’s first vice-president for several years, shares her vision for the future as she prepares to become president in 2024.
