Character of building steeped in social history 'won't be lost'

While she has yet to read details of a structural engineer’s report, Kathy Wolff said she has received expert assurance that the walls of the building are “solid” despite the recent blaze.

“At least I know the exterior character of the building won’t be lost,” she said. “It is one of the oldest buildings in Glengormley and it is steeped in social history.”

She added: “To date, we have no idea when we will return to the hall but we want to be back as soon as possible.”

The building, which was also home to Newtownabbey Senior Citizens’ Forum, a Citizens’ Advice Bureau outreach service and several other community organisations, was extensively damaged in a malicious fire on July 9.

Speaking to this newspaper last week, Mrs Wolff issued a defiant message that they will not be put out of business, and that the Barron Hall will be rebuilt as a hall for everyone, regardless of race, religion or political belief.

Adding his support for the CRF and other groups which use the cross-community facility, South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan called for everything possible to be done to help the organisations continue their valuable work in the local area.

“Many of my constitutents who use the facilities in Glengormley are, quite rightly, appalled and disgusted at this latest outrage which is all the more poignant as Kathy and the Comunity Relations Forum were recently honoured for their innovative approach to tackling hate crime.

“Community Relations in Newtownabbey has become a way of life, due in no small part to the work done by Kathy and others like her. Those who want to undermine this work will not prevail,” the UUP man said.