Hart told about new Castlemara projects

(Back, left) US Consul General Gregory Burton, Janet Shearer, Janice Cherry, Lynn Manson and June McRoberts; (front) Alderman Charles Johnston, Gary Hart, Susanne Campbell and Sheila McClelland . INCT 50-753-CON HART

The area was represented when the senior Democratic Party figure was hosted in the Town Hall by the Mayor, Alderman Charles Johnston.

The reception in the mayor’s parlour, which was also attended by Town Clerk Sheila McClelland and Good Relations and Community Development officers, followed a visit to the Andrew Jackson Centre by Mr Hart.

The Mayor told the TIMES: “We had three ladies from Castlemara Residents Association. They told him what had happened in Castlemara down through the years and issues surrounding the bonfire on the Eleventh night and now they had got a grant and had a fun day, which the Mayor and Mayoress attended this year.

“They gave him a transformation story and he was very impressed.”

The first citizen added that the former senator, who was joined by US Consul Greg Burton, also heard how the residents were using a former Ministry of Defence portable building for a community facility in the estate and would be putting up copies of the photos from his visit in the unit.

Mr Johnston added: “They also told him: ‘We want peace’ and he replied ‘I’m working very hard for it.”

The first citizen said he was delighted to welcome the US representatives.