Four old 1970’s bus shelters to be axed in Ballymoney area

There are currently 50 shelters located within the Borough of which 26 are made up of reinforced concrete panel dating back more than 40 years.

Some are in a poor state, damaged by graffiti, litter and where anti-social behaviour involving the shelter being used as a public convenience has been reported.

Now, Ballymoney Borough Council are to take action. Already, one shelter at Magherahoney has been taken down and four others at Lavin (Drones Road), Five Road Ends (Frosses Road), Mullan Road (Tullaghans Road) and Seacon Cross (Newbridge Road) are also to be flattened. These shetlers are no longer in use by Translink, Logans or the  NEELB.

A report requested by the council from Translink/Ulsterbus reported on the general state of the shelters with recommendations on what should be done.

Seven were said to be in need of immediate action while others were described as either adequate but not utilised or adequate for use.

The report stated that 15 of the old style shelters were deemed adwuate for use.

“These are largely unaffected by anti-social behaviour problems and their condition is such that the metal frames remain intact and are generally not hazardous for public use.

All, however, require minor running repairs and there is a need for painting to be carried out.

The report suggested that consideration should be given to replacing seven existing shelters with perspex ones at: Ben Vista, Loughgiel, Stranocum, Fivey Road, Dunloy, Garryduff Road and Greymount Park, Finvoy Road.

Councillors Ian Stevenson, Roma McAfee and Evelyne Robinson urged that consideration should be given to new shelters at Kilraughts Road, Glebeside and Frocess Road while Alderman Connolly said there was a need for a new shelter at Magherahoney.