Muir details plan to plug Kinnegar sewage pollution problem

I have been reassured by NI Water that plans to plug the sewage pollution problem in Holywood are on track.

After extensive lobbying I was delighted to achieve a commitment last year from NI Water to spend up to £3m to tackle the on-going sewage pollution problem occurring in the Kinnegar lagoons, Holywood after previously spending £100k to identify the source of the problem.

I have continued to lobby NI Water officials and with the malodour especially bad during the Summer months recently convened a meeting with Senior NI Water officials to urge action.

King John's Highway Radio article

BBC Radio Ulster today covered ongoing blockage of King John's Highway Right of Way path, Creighton's Green Road, Holywood during their Good Morning Ulster programme. 

You can listen to the article again at http://audioboo.fm/boos/443332-king-johns-highway-radio-ulster-article-18-aug-2011

Muir comments ahead of Ward Park concerts

North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has expressed his hopes for 'warm weather, good music and cool heads' ahead of the Ward Park concerts which will take place in Bangor on Tuesday and Wednesday 23 and 24 August 2011.

With the concerts now only days away, I hope that the concerts will be characterised by warm weather, good music and cool heads. With popular artists playing at Ward Park such as The Script and Eminem the local economy is due to receive a significant boost.

Whilst the vast majority of people attending the concerts won't cause any bother whatsoever, anyone intent on causing trouble should be aware that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. I urge the police to take a strong and robust approach to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the events.

Official Opening of Contemporary Goldsmith's Studio, Holywood

Cllr Muir with Contemporary
Goldsmith Eddie Doherty

Last Friday I attended the Official Opening of Eddie J Doherty's Studio at The Old School, Church Road, Holywood. Eddie is a Contemporary Goldsmith specialising in handmade jewellery who previously worked within business known as Gold Diggers in Holywood Town Centre.

Eddie's studio is part of Holywood Old School, a historic listed building restored a few years ago and now under the ownership of Holywood Old School Preservation Trust.

The sustainable use of this building is a fantastic example of how listed buildings in disrepair can be given a new lease of life with the hall used for many purposes such as Scout meetings, Birthday parties and Community group meetings whilst also accommodating Eddie's studio and an Apartment.

Muir welcomes Reservoir legislation

I welcome news that the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development has commenced work concerning a new Reservoirs Bill to 'ensure reservoirs are managed and operated to minimise the risk of failure thereby protecting human life, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity from flooding.'. 

The lack of regulatory legislation was something I previously raised during 2010 following an Assembly Question by Alliance MLA Dr Stephen Farry. This revealed that 104 private reservoirs exist which could impact upon 36,000 people if the dam burst.

Muir urges action to sort Town Centre parking problems

I urge the Roads Minister to end the delays and broken promises and start tackling the Town Centre parking problems many residents across North Down continue to endure.

I am making this call following receipt of an official response from the Roads Service detailing that Residents Parking arrangements haven't been finalised nor trialled despite an announcement by the previous Roads Minister in 2008 heralding "Free Residents Parking Schemes for Belfast.

I am regularly contacted by local people in Holywood and Bangor Town Centre's who are unable to park near their home with many spending each evening searching for a space. With Residents Parking schemes promised back in 2008 people are now fed up and want action.