By Julie Waters
A PETITION calling for Bangor’s historic Castle to be retained as a civic building has won the support of 1,289 people from across the borough.
A TUV led petition was handed in to the local authority headquarters this week in a bid to save the 19th century building from being turned into a boutique hotel and wedding venue.
Earlier this summer, the local authority unveiled its vision to bring 400 staff, currently housed in over 10 buildings across the borough, including Bangor Castle, under one roof in a new civic and community hub.
Council bosses stated the new civic headquarters, set to be built as part of the Queen’s Parade redevelopment, could be a first for Northern Ireland, including personnel from Jobs and Benefits, the Housing Executive and the PSNI.
However, the TUV says there has been a mixed reaction from local residents, with those against the proposed move signing the petition. The 1,289 total was made up of 665 online submissions and 624 handwritten signatures.
Peter Wilson, North Down TUV chairman, said many of those signing had been married in the City Hall, or had children who were married there, and described the council chamber as one of the most elegant and special places to hold a wedding.
“Today’s handover sends a clear message to Ards and North Down Borough Council that the people of Bangor, and across North Down, want Bangor Castle retained as a civic building,” said Mr Wilson.
“The strength of feeling is unmistakable, “With 1,289 people signing this petition, the public are demanding that their voices are not ignored. I have formally requested that this matter be brought to the council chamber for discussion, and if permissible a recorded vote be taken so the public can see exactly where each councillor stands.
“I have emailed the chief executive officer of the council and every councillor so that no one can say they were not aware of the petition or the strength of public feeling behind it.”
David Henry, North Down TUV branch secretary, said: “This petition reflects genuine community feeling about the future of Bangor Castle. People value its civic role, the memories it holds for families who have celebrated weddings there, and the heritage it represents.
“We want the council to listen to residents and to be fully transparent about the decisions being taken,” he said
