New Moira village signage provokes outcry from residents

Allan Ewart’s comments come after residents took to Facebook to complain about the new signage which shows a purple, yellow and pink flower beside the Moira name.

On Moira Live Facebook page, some claimed that it would look well in an episode of the Telly Tubbies.

Gareth Matthews said, “Spend loads of money doing the park up which looks great. Then we pull a crayon drawing off some primary school pupil and stick it up 100 yards away.”

Another Joanne Mitchell said, “As a business owner I was very shocked when I seen it... We have to be careful what type of signage we use for shops in the village, and we aren’t allowed to change our windows etc as to keep with the historic element of the town.. But the council deem this acceptable?”

Jillian Marsden said, “Totally embarrassing. Our village has so many beautiful features yet any visitors are met with this. Would have been nice if the people of Moira had been asked their opinion.”

Craig Stirling Gareth Matthews however said. “I think it is very colourful and bright, it brings a kind of sparkle and happiness to Moira that makes people want to come to our beautiful village #keepthemoirasign

A spokesperson for Lisburn City Council said, “Community consultation meetings were held in June and July 2013 to develop ideas about what images might represent each village.

“At the meetings, opinions were expressed that the village was full of vibrancy and colour with attractive floral displays and a youthful community.

“Following those meetings a number of proposed images were produced by the design team. Further consultation meetings were then held and the final design was agreed.”

Mr Ewart said, “The signs have certainly provoked strong feelings amongst our residents, with residents loving the new colourful sign and others not liking the move away from the traditional signage.

“While obviously we would want everybody to endorse the sign, it is encouraging to see the depth of feeling and pride that our residents have in the village of Moira.

“The Council invested over a £1m to upgrade Moira Demesne and public support on this project has been positive and we will continue to invest in our towns and villages. The Rural Gateway Signage Project is an example of such investment. With regards to the Moira sign we will continue to listen to everybody’s views and opinions and keep an open mind about the ongoing signage in Moira village.”