Farm closed for refurbishment

The Craigavon Borough Council run farm closed temporarily from September 20 until January 31, 2011, to allow it to upgrade the paddocks, the paths, the fences, and an upgrade of the hand washing facilities at the farm.

In addition a block of four brand new toilets will be built close to the animal farm.

The Council has been able to secure a 37,500 grant from the Southern Organisation for Action in Rural areas (SOAR) under the measure ‘’Encouragement of Tourist Activities’’, and will be using this to help fund the estimated 100,000 + refurbishments.

The building works will take approximately three months to complete and the grant aid needs to be spent by December 2010.

Whilst the refurbishment is taking place the “stars” of Tannaghmore Farm, that is the animals, will be well cared for by Council staff.

When the farm reopens in January the usual breeding programme will be well underway and there will be plenty of new additions to the farm.

“Tannaghmore Farm and Gardens has over 100,000 visitors every year,” explained Chaiman of the Leisure Services Committee Councillor Ronnie Harkness, “which shows how popular it is. Due to health and safety reasons it is not feasible to open while the work is being done. We know that our regular customers will understand and be patient while the improvements are being made."

Council recognises that it is closing the farm at very short notice. However, it is the end of a very busy summer season and Council want to ensure that the work starts immediately so that the farm can reopen as early as possible next year.

In addition to advertising and use of local media Council is writing to the schools to advise of the temporary closure as well as on the Council website and information notices in Council facilities.