'MAY FAIR OUTGROWING TOWN CENTRE'
DROMORE'S annually expanding May Fair is outgrowing its town centre stage, giving rise to child safety concerns, complaints over road closures and parking and what some claim is an adverse impact on trade.
That's according to Dromore Councillor Carol Black (pictured) who, while stressing her support for the annual event, this week spoke of finding "a better way forward" for the Fair and suggested the recently refurbished public park would be an ideal alternate venue.
The Ulster Unionist was expanding upon earlier comments - as reported in last week's Leader - about "controversy" over the town centre venue and calling for widespread discussions ahead of this year's Fair, comments which gave rise to questions among supporters of that and other annual events.
The DUP's Norah Beare said she had been contacted by a number of people eager to know the nature of the controversy surrounding the fair and why the need for discussions.
"I have been approached by constituents who want to know just what this controversy is and why it should have to mean consultations when there hasn't been any need for that in the past," she said, insisting that anyone with issues over the Fair should have taken the past opportunities offered in which to raise them with organisers and help shape events for everyone's benefit.
Ms. Black, meanwhile, said the council's Leisure and Development Committee, of which she is vice-chair, was this week due to consider proposals for the May Fair and she would see to it that the Dromore community was to the fore during discussions.
Last year, she said, a few traders found that their trade was down, while some members of the public complained about road closures and found it hard to park; mothers too complained about children's safety with the Square having been "opened up".
Those locals who did not attend the May Fair had to be accommodated too, she said.
She went on, "In this economic downtown we must make the May Fair work for all of us.
"The Town Centre Manager, traders and PSNI Operational Planning will all be in talks as to what may be a better way forward for the May Fair.
"Over the years the Fair has not been as extensive as it is today; we add new and better acts and performances to the event every year and the town Centre is running out of space."
As a Dromore councillor, she said, Ms. Black felt the council could in fact expand the May Fair still further and that the new-look town park would be "a fantastic place" to hold the event - safe for children and with plenty of space.
"I must stress that these are only preliminary talks," she said, "and this may or may not happen, but I do welcome the community's input; please remember, I am your voice on Banbridge District Council and I appeal to you, if you wish to object or perhaps add any ideas for our May Fair, to please get in touch.
"It is important that everyone is consulted and has a say to make Dromore May Fair an exciting and enjoyable day out."
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Weather for Dromore
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
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