Fury over water pump

BOWEN'S lane residents said they were feeling left out because they were still using a public water pump in July 1970.

While new modern homes were being built in the area many in the community were still without running water despite houses being built beside the main water main.

Lurgan Borough Council did have plans to supply these residents with the proper facilities but they could not say how long before it would work.

Mrs Thomas Hill, an old age pensioner said she had to carry 10 buckets of water per day from a pump some 25 yards away from her home.

She said on washing days she needed more than 20 buckets for her smalls!

"It's downright terrible," said Mrs Hill.

"It's a shame that we have to obtain our water supplies from an old hand pump especially when there is a water main at the front door."

One local resident had gained permission from the council to pipe water into her home, but at her own expense.

Mrs M Davidson said: "Why should we have to pay for getting water when we live in council owned homes?"

She had been living in Bowen's Lane for more than 20 years with her family of six.

She went to the trouble of installing a kitchen sink so she could make use of her new washing machine - but she still had to carry water from the pump.

No running water also meant no flushing toilets.

In winter the pump had to be 'lagged' to prevent it from freezing over.

"It's about time the council had the water in," said Mrs M Creaney.

Residents said they had petitioned the council for water to be installed along the lane to all the homes, but they had heard nothing.

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