Lisburn News

Scathing criticism of Budget

THE South Antrim MP Sir Knox Cunningham was scathing about the Budget introduced by Harold Wilson's Labour Government in April 1969.

Writing in the Star from Westminster, Sir Knox said: "The economy is stuck in the mire and as yet there's no sign of firm ground".

He blamed the policies of government and the 'sheer i competence' of many of ministers.

"The United Kingdom in a sorry state and experiencing the mockery of enemies and the pity of friends abroad. I don't know which is the most bitter to bear."

He added: "Any fool can increase taxation but heavier and heavier taxes will not solve our economic problems.

"This has been called a dead end budget from a fag end government. I agree."

Minister tours local businesses

COMMERCE minister at Stormont, Roy Bradford, was set to make a visit to major businesses in the Lisburn area in April 1969.

He was due to see Bridgeport Brass before going on to Fafnir Bearing Company.

Then it was on to the Autolite Motor Products plant at Finaghy before the tour ended Grundig Works Northern Ireland.

The four factories were judged to be at the cutting edge of production in the province and symbols of the hi tech jobs coming here.

PAST TIMES

Looking back at news from Lisburn's past

Officers and members of Legacurry GB pose for the photographer at their annual display and parents' evening in April 1966. Included is the minister and long time Star churches correspondent. the late Rev John McCaughan

Not enough accidents for safety measures

LISBURN councillors were outraged in 1999 over a DoE decision not to erect traffic calming measures on a busy road in Old Warren because of a lack of accidents.

Members claimed the department was placing no value on the life of children by refusing to take immediate steps to reduce speeding traffic along Drumbeg Drive.

The DoE carried out a survey at several locations along the road, which recorded the type, speed and volume of traffic 24 hours a day for a week.

During a meeting of the council's Police Liaison Committee the DoE revealed that 85% of vehicles using the road had been travelling at 38mph, when the road was restricted to 30mph.

However, a representative said that "unfortunately due to a lack of accidents in Drumbeg Drive it did not meet the criteria to merit traffic calming measures being put in place during the current financial year."

A police spokesman added that officers had paid regular attention to the road and only three fixed penalty tickets were issued.

The news prompted an angry response.

Vandals leave club's early season fixtures in a spin

This ad in March 1958 promoted the cough remedy sold by PJ Brogan at Chapel Hill. The family is still one of Lisburn's best known opticians but no longer in the chemist's business. VANDALS caused major disruption as Lisburn Cricket Club prepared for the new season back in April 1969.

They had damaged the square on the pitch at Wallace Park and left the club with a major headache.

The vandals had ripped up the the pitch in a night time raid leaving the pitch unplayable.

Two experts had been called in to inspect the playing area and advised the club it would be 10 weeks before cricket could be played there again.

Lisburn, described by the Star at the time as 'one of the most powerful teams in senior cricket' found themselves with 'a king sized headache' before the season had even begun.

There was a suggestion that Belfast Zoo could re-locate to Lisburn. The two sites mentioned were Lady Dixon Park on the Upper Malone Road and Aberdelghy at the site which is now the golf club. And it was reported that local boxer John Rodgers was set to go to the Munich Olympics

Skipper Cecil Walker said: "We just don't no what to do. At the moment we are giving consideration to various alternatives."

Among those options was to play all the early season fixtures away from home.

The second possibility was to re-arrange games for some time in June - probably on a two nights midweek basis.

The third idea being considered was to play all the games as scheduled - but move them to suitable grounds elsewhere.

What the alternatives, no-one at the club was being deterred, despite the thoughtless actions of the vandals.

This ad in March 1958 promoted the cough remedy sold by PJ Brogan at Chapel Hill. The family is still one of Lisburn's best known opticians but no longer in the chemist's business.
There was a suggestion that Belfast Zoo could re-locate to Lisburn. The two sites mentioned were Lady Dixon Park on the Upper Malone Road and Aberdelghy at the site which is now the golf club. And it was reported that local boxer John Rodgers was set to go to the Munich Olympics

Vandalising of trees

IN April 1985 local councillor Alderman Ivan Davis d scribed as sheer wanton destruction the vandalising of 18 young trees at the side and rear of Drumlough House.
Mr Davis said the trees if allowed to mature, would ha "' given much pleasure to the residents.
They were very nicely laid out and one wonders what goes on in the minds of those responsible" he said

Industrious Lisburn

IN 1985 Councillor Dennis McCarroll claimed that Lisburn Borough was probably the most commercially industrious and progressive area in the country.
The councillor told Lagan Valley DUP Branch that Lisburn had a great future and the business community was showing foresight.

Ulster Star
03/02/2012