A 22-year-old Markethill man was hauled before magistrates this week after his father cancelled his insurance without his knowledge, a court has heard.
The defendant, representing himself at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, said he was unaware he was driving around with no insurance to his name.
Police stopped the man driving along Market Street in the city on November 11.
Pulling him over police questioned whether he had a certificate of insurance to which he replied, “I think so, yeh”.
He was asked to bring in his details but attended Armagh police station on November 16 and confirmed that he did not have any policy in place.
The court heard how the young man had a falling out with his father in October – the month before he was stopped – and no longer lives with him in Dungannon.
Instead, he now resides with his mother in Markethill who gives him his lifts to work.
District Judge Nigel Broderick disqualified the full-time labourer from driving for one month and fined £300. He was given 12 weeks to pay.
Gosford Forest Park will be getting an injection of around £600,000 to regenerate and invigorate the attraction – with work due to start as soon as.
Gosford is one of the major forest attractions in Northern Ireland and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has been working hard with Forest Service and Outdoor Recreation NI (ORNI) over a number of years to consider how the park can be revitalised and reach its full potential.
A master plan process began in 2014 to create and develop proposals for the forest park – and now phase one is about to begin.
Funding to the tune of £480,000 has been secured through the Targeting Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) programme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to develop a network of 16kms of walking and cycling trails, with council providing the additional funds.
Designed by Pete Laing, who is one of the most prestigious trail designers in the UK, these trails will include something for everyone and will be disability friendly.
Whether walking, running, cycling or horse riding the network will maintain the natural connections between existing paths and continuity with the environment.
The contract for the work will be carried out by Euro Services.
“We are delighted to announce that we have received this significant grant which covers 80% of the cost of phase one and will act as a catalyst for the long awaited regeneration of the historical Gosford Forest Park,” commented Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Gareth Wilson.
“We want to get a head start on this new venture which will perfectly supplement the development of the fantastic play park constructed three years ago, which sees families flocking to the Forest Park on a regular basis.
“We are hopeful that when this first phase gets under way it will open up more opportunities for funding in the future so we can realise the full potential that this wonderful attraction has to offer.”
Forest Service Chief Executive Malcolm Beatty said: “Our forest parks are an outstanding and valuable natural resource. Anyone who has been to Gosford will understand why it is so popular with visitors from Co Armagh and beyond.
“This partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council allows us to develop the forest in a way that is open to all and yet sympathetic to the natural environment.
“It is an investment which will encourage even more people to explore, experience and enjoy Gosford.”
Council hopes to present the full master plan detail and economic appraisal to council in March.
A Markethill man was caught driving drunk whilst on his way to purchase alcohol, a court heard this week.
Jordan Topping, 24, of Ashlea Bend, appeared at before Armagh Magistrates’ on Tuesday, charged with failing to report or stop after causing damage, driving without licence or insurance and under the influence of alcohol.
At around 10.50pm on November 25, 2016, Topping was driving a Ford C-Max when he collided with the steps of the Tayto factory, on the Gilford Road in Tandragee.
Witnesses at the scene gave a description of Topping who was later located by police in the town centre.
The court heard that when police approached the defendant, he appeared to be heavily intoxicated and slurring his words.
The keys of the car were found in his possession.
In custody Topping was breathalysed and found to be over the limit with a reading of 117mg per 100ml of breath – more than three times the legal limit.
District Judge Paul Copeland stated that this deserved a custodial sentence and Topping’s record “left a lot to be desired”.
Defence Counsel explained that Topping had been at a party at his ex-partner’s house and had taken her car to go to the nearest place to purchase more alcohol.
Court heard that after the collision “Topping was in a state of shock and walked around Tandragee high street with no want to escape”.
The defence appealed to the Judge to give Topping a chance.
The defendant had recently re-engaged with his community service probation with a marked improvement in attendance.
He had achieved this whilst in employment in marketing his first full-time job since turning 16.
It was also revealed to the court that with his new partner he now had a stable support unit in the form of her family.
His own family had previously made him leave home due to his repeat offending.
The court also heard that Topping’s partner was expecting the birth of their child in March.
Defence also added that Topping had begun abstinence from alcohol, which would be the first time since he was 13 years of age.
Judge Copeland explained that Topping had certainly met the custody threshold but he was willing to give him a chance.
Topping was disqualified from driving for three years, given a fine of £100 for each offence to be paid over 26 weeks and sentence to nine months in prison, suspended for two years.
Mountnorris Primary School is the latest school to sign up to the ‘School Watch’ scheme.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in partnership with the PSNI work with local schools to establish ‘School Watch’ areas.
And through this multi-agency approach, the School Watch scheme aims to tackle vandalism and criminal damage in schools, similar to the ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ scheme.
Chair of Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Máire Cairns, said: “The School Watch campaign is aimed at keeping our school buildings safe and secure, while trying to combat crime in and around the school premises.
“I would urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour they see to the local Police.”
As with Neighbourhood Watch, signs are placed in prominent areas around the school highlighting that local residents are keeping watch and looking out for their local school.
Residents in the vicinity of the schools are encouraged to keep an eye out for anything unusual or suspicious around the school, and more importantly to promote the importance of reporting any suspicious activity they notice on school grounds to the PSNI.
This will be especially important over the summer months when the school is not being used on a daily basis.
Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity on school premises after hours or during holidays please call 101.
For further information on School Watch, please contact PCSP on 028 3831 2400.
A special reception was held to honour the dedication and commitment of Markethill Festival organiser.
Betty Stewart, who has played a very active role in the festival for 42 years, was joined by friends and family for the event at the Palace on Saturday afternoon, which was kept as a surprise for her to add to the occasion.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Alderman Gareth Wilson presented Betty with a special award and a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her selfless volunteering over many decades.
Alderman Wilson said: “I have gotten to know Betty well over the years helping her with various ideas and initiatives through the Council and it was great to attend the Festival and Fair last year as Lord Mayor and it was clear everyone had such a great time.
“It must be said Betty, along with her husband and family have endured great personal loss over the years and indeed sadly again in recent months.
“It has certainly been very difficult for her and her family, but despite this, her determination and devotion has always shone through.
“Focusing on her amazing contribution of over 42 years to the life of Markethill through the Festival and more recently the Fair, it was only but right that this unwavering dedication was formally recognised.”
He added: “It was so good that her devoted family was able to keep it as a surprise until she walked through the Palace door and that was so special to see her delight and a few smiling scolds too!
“Betty represents the social fabric of our Borough and when I set out on my Mayoral journey last June, I wanted to put a special emphasis on the work of our volunteers and there is no better example of a dedicated volunteer than Betty Stewart.”
Work has started on laying trails at Gosford Forest Park as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment plan.
But some moron has decided to leave his own trail – far from imaginative – close to the Co Armagh beauty spot.
Dozens of tyres have been dumped along the verge of the Tannaghmore Road.
And as this picture, sent to Armagh I by Katie Ratcliffe, clearly shows, it has only recently happened, given that they are void of any snow which has fallen over the past number of days.
The Tannaghmore Road runs along the rear of Gosford Forest Park, with the dumping having taken place close to the back gates.
Katie, who also brought the image to the attention of local police, described it as “fly-tipping at its worst”.
There are plans to convert Gosford into one of the country’s ‘must see’ destinations for tourists, with themed trails, cafe, camping facilities and much, much more.
But the actions of those responsible once again show that there is little thought or feeling by those responsible for the efforts to improve the surroundings for the local community and visitors alike.
In recent times, it has been an issue which has plagued a number of local areas renowned for their scenic beauty, including Carrigatuke Viewpoint and Slieve Gullion.
There have been ongoing calls for new measures to be put in place to ensure tyres can be properly traced back from point of manufacture, through sale to safe disposal, in a bid to prevent scenes like that outside Gosford and, where it does happen, catch those responsible.
Once again, pictures such as this show that a central register – having already won the support of the Assembly – needs to be introduced sooner rather than later!
Police have confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault on a small child.
The incident was reported to have happened on Main Street in Markethill at around 12.15pm today (Monday).
Details were being shared on social media after a passing motorist said she had “witnessed a woman drag and beat a small child about the head along the street”.
She said she had stopped her car, got out and told the woman – one of two who were with the child – that she was going to report her.
“The woman that was with her told her to give him a good hiding as he was a wee s**t and deserved it!” she added.
“The wee crater had a runny and bloody nose.”
The woman involved is described as being around 50 to 60 years of age. She was wearing a blue fleece puffa jacket, blue trousers, black rimmed spectacles, and had mid-length black hair. The child, believed to be around three or four years of age, was wearing a grey jacket, white trousers and red hat.
The woman who made the complaint told Armagh I she had attended the PSNI station tonight to make an official statement.
A PSNI spokesperson has confirmed that a report of an incident “in which a woman was alleged to have struck a small child” had been made and was being investigated.
He told Armagh I : “Enquiries are ongoing to identify the woman and child involved and officers would ask that anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information which could assist them with their enquiries to contact Armagh police on 101 quoting reference number 576 05/03/18.”
A Markethill pensioner with more than 60 years driving experience and no offences has been disqualified from driving for two years.
Thomas Marshall, 84, of Lisnagat Road, pleaded guilty at Armagh Magistrates’ charged with three counts of grievous bodily injury (GBI) by careless driving.
The incident happened at around 2 pm on July 27, last year.
Police were called to a two-car collision on the junction of the Tandragee Road and the Gosford Road, Markethill.
Court heard that the defendant had emerged from a junction without warning and collided with an oncoming car.
Injuries were suffered by the defendant’s wife who was in the passenger seat and a mother and daughter who were in the other car.
Marshall’s wife suffered multiple rib fractures, the daughter a broken foot and her mother also several rib fractures.
When interviewed by police the defendant said he could not remember the crash.
Defence counsel told court this was due to the collision, not any previous medical condition.
They added that Marshall had an unblemished record and was unfortunate to be before the court.
Court heard that he would be compensating three parties one of which was his wife.
The defence explained that the Marshall lived with his wife, who cannot drive, in the country.
Adding even the minimum of a ban would end his driving career.
Both the defence and the prosecution told District Judge Paul Copeland that none of the injured parties “bare any bad feeling”.
Judge Copeland explained that the defendant had a clean record with over 60 years of driving but this event caused “very serious injuries”.
Marshall was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to resit his test following this.
He was also fined £200 on each count, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
Judge Copeland stated that after this Marshall “should reconsider his future as a driver”.
Major roadworks on the Armagh to Newry Road will take up to two months to complete.
The £220,000 road improvement scheme for the A28 Armagh – Newry Road at the B3 Tandragee Road junction (Markethill) will commence on Monday, March 12.
The scheme will involve the provision of a dedicated right turn lane into the Tandragee Road and widening of the Tandragee Road at the junction to facilitate left and right lanes for exiting onto the main A28 Armagh – Newry Road.
The scheme will improve road safety and deliver significant benefits to the road network.
The work is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete.
To facilitate the works a temporary 40mph speed limit will be in place. Traffic will not be able to exit the Tandragee Road junction during the construction period and a signed diversion will be in operation.
The diversion route for traffic accessing the A28 from Tandragee will be the B131 Drumnamether Road and B78 Mullurg Road.
Full road closures may be required towards the end of the project for final resurfacing works and the dates for these will be confirmed closer to the time.
The Department has programmed the works operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience, however, drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when travelling in the area.
The dates and duration of the works will be dependent on the progress of the scheme and on favourable weather conditions.
For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: www.trafficwatchni.com
An award-winning programme to help students improve their digital skills is coming back to the borough.
‘Digital Youth’ was first launched by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2017 .
Over 500 students in 12 local secondary schools were able to develop a stronger foundation in digital skills.
It is now back on the curriculum this year, with a new element that extends the reach of the digital learning experience to encompass teachers as well as students.
Lord Mayor Alderman Gareth Wilson joined students, Vice Principal James McCoy and teacher Gordon Parkes from Markethill High School, one of 12 secondary schools participating in this year’s programme, to mark the launch of ‘Digital Youth’ as it enters its second year.
Representatives from programme delivery partners, Young Enterprise NI and MakeMatic, were also present.
Speaking about the merits of the programme which was named overall winner in the ‘Digital Skills’ category at the NextGen Digital Challenge Awards 2017, the Lord Mayor commented: “Following on from the successful delivery of this innovative programme last year, I am delighted to welcome its return given the tremendous potential it offers in expanding students’ digital literacy knowledge in areas such as coding, app development, robotics, digital photography and filmmaking – thereby enhancing their exposure and building their confidence so that they may consider pursuing a career in the fast growing digital technology sector.
“It’s equally exciting to learn that teachers can now also participate in the programme and access vital professional development video learning. After all they are key to delivering digital skills in the classroom and supporting our efforts to cultivate a digital enterprise culture in the borough.”
Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive with Young Enterprise NI, the local charity responsible for delivering the programme on behalf of the council, added: “Teaching digital skills in schools should be regarded as equally important as lessons in numeracy and literacy. We commend the council for supporting the education system in the development of young people and the application of their digital literacy.
“Many young people have no experience of applying digital skills in the workplace and don’t always realise the growing significance of this to employers across a range of sectors. This programme will equip them with the skills they need to develop bright careers in whatever industry they choose.”
As part of the programme, students will be able to attend practical masterclasses where they can get hands-on with a range of digital technology tools, develop their digital skills and explore career possibilities and qualifications.
They will also be supported and mentored by digital ambassadors who will inspire them to develop project ideas for setting up a digital business of their own in the future. Teams from schools will pitch their digital project to a panel of experts at a showcase event in June, which will also celebrate the achievements of all participants.
MakeMatic has also been brought on board this year to help teachers become more digitally literate so that they too can support digital learning in the classroom.
MakeMatic co-founder Mark Nagurski commented: “We’re extremely excited to be working with the council and Young Enterprise NI on such a great project. Every teacher in each participating school will have free access to our full library of professional development courses.
“We’ll also be supporting them in person through a series of on-boarding workshops. This is exactly the kind of innovative programme that can have a real, lasting impact.”
Other schools participating in ‘Digital Youth’ are Clounagh Junior High School, City of Armagh High School, Drumcree College (St. John’s the Baptist College), Killicomaine Junior High School, Lismore Comprehensive, Lurgan College, New Bridge Integrated College, Portadown College, St. Catherine’s College, St. Patrick’s College and Tandragee Junior High School.
To find out more about ‘Digital Youth’ or other council programmes supporting the continued growth of the local economy, go to www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Police in Armagh are warning motorists of the potential consequences of ignoring road signals.
It comes after reports of motorists failing to follow ‘road closed’ instructions at Markethill.
Work started eight days ago on a £220,000 road improvement scheme at the junction of the Tandragee Road and the main Armagh to Newry Road at Markethill.
The scheme involves the provision of a dedicated right turn lane into the Tandragee Road and widening of the Tandragee Road at the junction to facilitate left and right lanes for exiting on to the main Armagh – Newry Road.
The scheme, according to the Department for Infrastructure, will improve road safety and deliver significant benefits to the road network.
Work is estimated to take two months to complete – depending on weather – with seven weeks remaining.
But road closure signage is not being adhere to by some motorists, which has prompted police to read the riot act via social media to those deliberately flouting the instructions.
They advised that closed means closed and not “open if you just live around the corner”.
Police warned: “If you drive through a road closed sign, it is an offence and you can get a ticket for breach of a road sign.
“The road is down to one lane, so ONLY traffic heading towards Tandragee from Markethill is allowed to pass through.
“If you cause a collision because you drive on past the road closed signs, your insurance may not cover you, and you will likely get prosecuted.”
Police advised: “Take the sensible, cheaper, legal option, and follow the diversion signs.”
A Markethill man has added his own words to those of the PSNI in pleading with motorists to abide by the ‘road closed’ signals as works continue on the edge of the town.
Neville Black has warned that, unless people stop and listen to the message police are trying to get across, “someone will be hurt”.
He travels daily along the route, where a road improvement schemes began earlier this month.
With work due to continue for another seven weeks, the PSNI earlier warned motorists that they will be breaking the law and liable to a ticket if they continue to ignore the road closed signs.
The work is being carried out on the Tandragee Road, just off the main Armagh to Newry Road at Markethill.
Mr Black – who takes an alternative route behind Gosford to Mullabrack and on to Markethill – is fearful of a serious road traffic collision, given the high volumes of traffic which is proceeding through without taking any notice of the restrictions.
He told Armagh I : “The road closure at Tandragee Road, Markethill, needs to be enforced.
“As a local who is having to drive miles around diversions, I am sick of meeting streams of cars driving through the signs and up through the roadworks.
“Then they try to force me on to the hard shoulder as I am coming through from the Markethill side.”
And he is totally aghast at the blatant disregard being shown to the road closure by motorists.
“I am not talking one or two cars,” added Mr Black.
“There are that many I’m beginning to think I’m the only one using the diversion.”
He claimed he had even met a bus on the road and asked people to stop and think what they are doing before someone is injured – or worse.
“It’s very frustrating to meet loads of vehicles driving through the road signs,” he insisted. “They need to stop it and stop it now!”
Later, as darkness fell, Armagh police reported counting 15 cars in the course of 15 minutes period trying to access Gosford Road despite the clearly marked road closure.
Reiterating the earlier appeal, they urged: “Please people, don’t force vehicles entering the Tandragee Road, Markethill onto the hard shoulder to avoid head on collisions! Use an alternate route.”
Motorists are continuing to ignore road closed instructions at Markethill despite warnings from local police.
And locals are also up in arms that the laws of the road are being flouted.
An eight-week resurfacing and improvement scheme is currently underway on the Tandragee Road, just off the main Armagh to Newry Road at Markethill.
Last week, the PSNI in Armagh was forced to warn motorists against driving through the road closure to proceed on to the main Markethill Road.
And local resident Neville Black also contacted Armagh I to express his fears of serious injury – or worse – because of the blatant disregard being shown.
Mr Black – who takes an alternative route behind Gosford to Mullabrack and on to Markethill – warned that the high volumes of traffic proceeding through without taking any notice of the restrictions was an accident waiting to happen.
Eight days later – and with six weeks of the scheme remaining – and the situation has not eased.
Mr Black said this evening (Thursday): “Cars, lorries and buses still continue to drive through the road closed signs and drivers hurl abuse at oncoming traffic who are coming through the proper way.
“It’s well past time to hand out a few ticket!”
Mr Black says he used the road “three or four times a day”.
And he added: “All the locals are complaining about the abuse. It would not take long for police to book plenty, especially at peak times – it’s just constant all day long!”
Police again warned drivers to abide by the law.
“We are recieving lots of calls still about the breach of this sign on Tandragee Road, Markethill, coming in from motorists who have had near misses – going the right way – and residents in the area who are concerned,” the PSNI in Armagh said.
“The roadworks are going to be there for another few weeks to come, and there are alternative routes via Dinahorra Road (Poyntzpass Road) and Bryandrum/Tannaghmore and Mullaghbrack Roads, that will take you back onto the main Gosford Road.”
Police say they monitored this section of the road for a period of time on Thursday, and said most drivers were understanding when spoken to.
And to those who are not getting the message, the reminded: “It’s dangerous – and even more so when it’s busy.”
Almost 200 dogs were stolen in Northern Ireland over a three year period.
And that makes Northern Ireland the 12th highest of all 38 police force areas in the UK when it comes to dog thefts.
According to figures released to the Insurance Emporium under a Freedom of Information request to all police forces, 5,704 dogs were taken between 2015 and 2017.
The number of thefts in the past 12 months actually increased by 8% – which means an average of six dogs a day being snatched from owners.
It is of course a devastating loss for any owner as dogs are very much a part of any family.
Among those who knows only too well the impact it can have is Nicki Qua, from Glenanne.
The 27-year-old had her Cocker Spaniel, Shelley, stolen in November – and learned that her neighbour also had her dog taken around the same time.
Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 189 dogs were stolen in Northern Ireland and, according to the PSNI, just six of these were recovered and returned to their owners.
Nicki is not giving up hope and continues to appeal for anyone with information as to Shelley’s whereabouts to come forward.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, she said: “Shelly is only just over a year old. There was a half hour window when nobody was home and I had gone out. She was with the other little pup that we have. Shelly had been lifted and he was still there.
“We made posters on Facebook and my neighbour got in contact to say that her dog had been taken as well a couple of days before.
“On the morning her dog was taken, there was a skiff of snow on the road and she had seen human footprints along with footprints belonging to the dog. They both stopped at the same place.”
The Insurance Emporium advises dog owners to take steps to try and decrease the likelihood of their dog being stolen.
They said: “Ensuring that your garden is secure might be a logical first step. Considering that 29% of dogs were stolen from their owner’s garden this could make a big difference.
“Also, leaving your pet anywhere outside whilst unattended could be a bad move. Remember that microchipping is now a legal requirement, getting this done for your pup as soon as possible might make it easier to track and identify your pet pooch.”
Meanwhile, the group Pet Theft Awareness runs a dedicated week each March to highlight the issue.
It is working to try and have the laws and penalties carried for the theft of dogs, cats and other animals changed in a bid to deter would-be thieves.
As it stands, the Insurance Emporium says: “It’s currently viewed no differently to stealing a bicycle in the eyes of the law!”
A Co Armagh football club has asked parents to be wary of a fake Facebook profile which has been befriending underage players over recent days.
Markethill Swifts FC posted the warning on their social media, warning of the potential online deception involving minors.
The profile is claiming to be that of a teenage girl by the name of Brooke Ellis, however, there are worries that the person behind the screen is in fact an adult male.
The post from the club read: “It has been brought to our attention that a youth football team has concerns over a Facebook user named ‘Brooke Ellis’ who has friended quite a few players in their team and several other teams too.
“Brooke Ellis is posing as a teenage girl but it is alleged that they are actually an adult male who has been asking for young boys to send inappropriate images to them.
“We recommend that you check your child’s social media usage and especially check for any interactions with a person of this name.
“There is a real Brooke Ellis who has received a lot of abusive messages so please refrain from this.”
The incident was also highlighted in Belfast earlier this week when number of young players from St Patrick’s FC in were allegedly targeted by a man posing as a 14-year-old girl.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers from the PSNI Child Internet Protection Team are providing assistance to officers from the National Crime Agency as they carry out their enquiries into an ongoing operation.”
A new £2.1 million visitor centre will be the central feature of the plans to convert Gosford Forest Park into one of the country’s top tourist attractions.
The price tag for the redevelopment – exclusively revealed by Armagh I three years ago – now stands in excess of £5.1 million.
The vision for the project is for Gosford to become “one of the top five forest parks in Northern Ireland, providing a five-star, family focused, forest holiday experience”.
Work has already started on the introduction of a network of trails at the site, near Markethill, something which was always intended as part of the overall plans.
The scheme began after visits to a number of other parks in England last summer, followed by an economic appraisal in November, before reaching the stage of ‘dotting the ‘i’s and crossing’ the ‘t’s’ in terms of final proposals this week.
The council is on course to use £4.2 million of capital funding towards the redevelopment plans, with close to £1 million expected from external funding sources.
In all, 17 options were drawn up and considered in depth before the preferred ‘package’ was decided upon.
The 640 sq metre visitor centre is the main anchor component of this state-of-the-art tourism development plan.
It is expected that the new visitor centre will also include a cafe.
In addition, it incorporates an adventure play trail, and ‘multi-use’ trails – for walking, cycling, running and horses.
Car parking on site would be extended, the existing park increasing from 123 to 177 spaces, and an ‘overflow’ car park – of around 325 spaces – created.
New signage will feature throughout the forest park.
A ‘pay and display’ system for parking, charged at existing rates, will be installed at a cost in excess of £50,000.
Meanwhile, a further £3,000 has been earmarked under what is described as ‘parking prevention infrastructure’ – this would be to target problematic parking along the entrance to Gosford, a long-standing issue in the area.
Landscaping – at a cost of £250,000 – is also woven into the selected option.
Initially, the annual deficit to council in terms of maintaining the newly-developed Gosford has been estimated at £188,000 in the first year, decreasing to a ‘steady-state’ deficit of £74,000 year five.
A report from Cogent Management Consulting LLP and Outdoor Recration NI – brought to the leisure committee – reveals: “The extent of this deficit is dependent on sufficient and appropriate marketing activities being undertaken to achieve the proposed visitor numbers.
“There is potential for this deficit to be reduced in the event that visitor numbers – and correspondingly vehicle parking incomes – exceed projections and the revenue incomes are increased.”
The chosen option, the report states, it rolled out will offer “significant potential for additional visitors and tourism
related income to be created”.
Motorists continue to disobey road closed signs in Markethill as the contentious roadworks near completion.
The £220,000 road improvement scheme for the A28 Armagh – Newry Road at the B3 Tandragee Road junction in Markethill will be completed next Sunday, April 22.
The scheme involves the provision of a dedicated right turn lane into the Tandragee Road and widening of the Tandragee Road at the junction to facilitate left and right lanes for exiting onto the main A28 Armagh – Newry Road.
It is aimed at improving road safety and deliver significant benefits to the road network.
Final resurfacing work will be carried out from Wednesday, April 18 to Sunday, April 22, inclusive.
In order to carry out the work safely it will be necessary to control traffic travelling on the A28 Gosford Road using STOP/GO from 9.30am each weekday morning and at all times at the weekend.
The Tandragee Road junction will be closed completely during this period with a diversion in place for this traffic.
Traffic is being diverted via Tandragee Road, Moyroukan Road, Drumnamether Road, Marlacoo Road, Mullurg Road, Mullaghbrack Road and Gosford Road.
The Department has programmed the works operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience, however, drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when travelling in the area.
The dates and duration of the works will be dependent on favourable weather conditions.
For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: www.trafficwatchni.com
Markethill resident Neville Black said the signs at the Tandragee Road junction are the “most disobeyed I have ever seen”.
He explained: “The access for drivers turning down the Tandragee Road is now tight due to the ongoing work. For three days in a row now I have met oncoming traffic.
“On Thursday I was doing the school run and had four grandchildren on board. I met a crew cab jeep bulling its way up through and was nearly into the front of me. And the he gives me a dirty look because he had to drive into the coned off area to let me pass.
“And again the next day, the same thing – this matter needs sorted. Where are the police? It’s long passed time for a few tickets.
“I use this road some days up to five or six times and I would meet cars more often than I wouldn’t. There is absolutely no excuse for it.”
Two former Markethill High School pupils will mark the 20th anniversary of their teenage brother’s passing with a mammoth and emotional fundraising effort for two fantastic causes.
Mark Chapman was only 15 years of age when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest due to a rare heart condition, ‘Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy’, which causes overgrowth of the heart muscle.
The loss of Mark at such a young age, on July 12, 1998, devastated the family.
Now brothers Glenn and Kyle are preparing to honour his memory and raise money to help others with a cycle from Mizen Head in the south to Malin Head in the north of Donegal.
And it will be a real family affair, as their parents and sister will be forming the support team which keeps them on the road.
The ultimate goal is to raise £2,500 to support two causes very dear to them.
Mark Chapman
They want to be able to buy a defibrillator for Markethill High School.
And they want to give back for the love, care and support given by the charity TinyLife after Glenn’s son Edgar was born six weeks prematurely.
Both Kyle (30), who lives in Australia, and 31-year-old Glenn, from Richhill, are now preparing for the cycle which they know will be emotional but rewarding.
Kyle told Armagh I : “It’s a mammoth task that’s only starting to sink in. The emotional connection will provide the catalyst of strength to complete the ride.”
“This July will mark 20 years since our brother Mark suddenly passed away from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Mark, Glenn, Kyle and Katrina Chapman
“In his memory we wanted to create a fitting tribute and hopefully give back to the community and charities that have supported the family.”
The brothers hope to raise over £2,500 – or $5,000 Australian dollars, where Kyle is now resident – and say it “will go directly to two great causes”.
“We want to raise enough money for Markethill High School to purchase a defibrillator for the School Sports Hall,” explained Kyle.
“We believe this is fitting as the school has an ever growing attendance with over 500 pupils. Stats show that one in every 500 individuals will also suffer from the condition Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
“We are all past pupils with cherished memories of the school.
Glenn, Mark, Katrina, mum Sinead and dad Philip
“The second charity we would like to support is TinyLife NI who rely on charitable contributions in order to provide essential support to parents of premature babies.
“Glenn became one of these parents with the unexpected six week early arrival of his son Edgar. TinyLife provided abundant services supporting him throughout Edgar’s early months.”
Both brothers admit they are “preparing well” for the challenge which lies ahead.
“Glenn, who hadn’t seen a gym since his 10th birthday in Armagh Leisure Centre, has been attending the gym 10+ hours a week and achieving some serious miles on his bike,” added Kyle.
“I’ve been attending several F45 classes and trying to get as many miles on the bike at every available chance.
“Although we are both training in very different conditions, with Glenn residing in Richhill and myself in Brisbane.
Kyle and Rebecca
“Glenn sent me a picture of him out on the bike with snow on the ground, whereas in Brisbane it’s almost always sunshine 20-35 degrees Celsius days!”
They will be supported by family and friends along the way as they tackle the route – an arduous 400 miles or 640 kilometres.
“Katrina, our sister, is the intelligence behind the route planning and accommodation,” explained Kyle.
“Mum and Dad will be driving the support vehicle; with Mum’s culinary skills and my Dad’s handy bush mechanic fixes it should prove to be a dream team!
“The overall goal is to complete the journey from Mizen Head to Malin Head within four days. That will be 160 kms – 100miles – per day. We’ve allowed a fifth day in case we struggle to meet the daily target!”
Glenn, Kyle and baby Edgar
The Chapmans simply cannot believe how well their efforts have already been received.
The boys’ Dad says there has been a “great response from the local community” and admits he is “still getting a laugh thinking of what both Kyle and Glenn have got in store for themselves!”
Mum, meanwhile, has also been blown away by the response, adding: “To think Kyle’s Australian colleagues have donated to charity causes that are on the other side of the world…!”
All money raised, Kyle stresses, will go directly towards both causes.
“The equipment, accommodation and sundries will all be provided for by the Chapman family,” he explained.
“We launched the donation pages two weeks ago and have had an amazing response, Currently we have raised 70% of what we had set out to.
“The family has been overwhelmed with the support for the fantastic charitable cause, donations coming from both sides of the world.”
Mark Chapman
They would sincerely like to thank everyone to date who has given so generously.
And Kyle implored: “Please keep donating to help us smash the target!”
A unionist from Co Armagh will receive the full support of Sinn Fein in the upcoming Seanad by-election.
Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald says her party will lend its backing to Markethill farmer Ian Marshall as he aims to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Labour Senator Denis Landy.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar nominated Mr Marshall for the seat who will require support from current members of the Dáil (TDs) and senators.
The by-election is due to take place on Friday.
“I am pleased to confirm that Sinn Féin will be supporting Ian Marshall in the upcoming Seanad by-election,” said Ms McDonald.
“I have met with Ian on a number of occasions in recent weeks and I have been impressed by his views on Brexit and the potential impact Brexit will have on the island, north and south.
“I believe Ian will be a strong Independent voice in the Seanad; providing an anti-Brexit unionist perspective, which is a welcome addition to the political discourse surrounding the issue in the Oireachtas. Brexit affects people from all backgrounds and ways of life; nationalist, unionists and everyone in between.
“From his time as a farmer, as President of the Ulster Farmers Union, and his current position at Queens University, Ian is particularly qualified and experienced to advocate on behalf of farmers and the Agri-sector; which faces massive challenges in the time ahead.
“Ian is a unionist. I am an Irish Republican. As I have stated repeatedly, the Ireland I want to see is one where one can comfortably be Irish or British, both or neither. I believe Ian can bring a new and interesting voice to the discussion surrounding a new Ireland.
“I want to wish him the very best of luck when the votes are counted on Friday.”
