A North Down park has finally reopened a month after being battered by Storm Éowyn.
Ards and North Down Borough Council has reopened Glenlyon Park and Garden in Holywood to the public, following work to address fallen trees and repair electricity cables. Some areas in the park remain closed however, and diversions will be in place as remedial work continues on the path network.
Not far away at Cairn Wood, between Holywood and Newtownards, work is ongoing in conjunction with the Forest Service. It is anticipated that Cairn Wood’s facilities will be gradually reopened over the next two to three weeks.
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As part of this work, Craigantlet Road will be closed on the week commencing on March 10 for tree safety works.
Alliance Alderman for Holywood and Clandeboye, Martin McRandal, praised the efforts of the Forest Service, the council and Northern Ireland Electricity in restoring access after the significant damage caused by Storm Éowyn.
He said: "Thanks to the staff and contractors who worked tirelessly to restore Glenlyon Park so members of the public can again enjoy its peace and tranquillity. I hope that we shall soon see Cairn Wood following suit and that its much-loved trails will soon reopen .
“I was concerned at the damage caused and the loss of trees at both Glenlyon and Cairn Wood, and raised this with the relevant officials after Storm Éowyn passed. The quick and coordinated response from all relevant bodies has ensured that access will be restored in as short a time as possible to minimise disruption.”
He added: "I want to thank the public as well for their patience as the council continues to work to ensure these facilities are safe for everyone who enjoys them. I am aware of the disruption caused but would urge the public to continue to be patient and abide by any notices regarding public safety.
“Going forward, we must ensure that we continue to replace the woodland lost with native trees, which are essential to encourage biodiversity and create habitats for our wildlife.”
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