Street name tribute to former Ballyclare 'master' instrumental in building new school
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has paid tribute to a teacher who was credited with increasing pupil numbers at a former rural school outside Ballyclare.
A new housing development has been named in memory of RB Robson who was the master at Coggrey Mill National School in 1882.
A report presented to the council explained Mr Robson was considered to be “instrumental in increasing the number of pupils attending the school and also in building a new school”.
At last month’s full meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, councillors agreed a street name for a new housing development at Jubilee Road, Ballyclare, in his memory.
The Ulster Historical Foundation says online: “During Robson’s tenure, the number of boys attending the school increased to the point where additional accommodation was needed.”
The new school, which was built to accommodate 130 pupils, was opened in 1909. The new residential development consists of 78 dwellings – detached, semi – detached and townhouses.
Councillors agreed the name Robson Park following a proposal by Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown, seconded by Ballyclare Ulster Unionist Cllr Vera McWilliam.
Other name options were Robson Hall and Claughlin Demesne. Claughlin Lane is said to be well- known “locally and historically” within the town.
Councillors agreed the name Fairview Farm Close recently for a residential development of detached and semi-detached homes at Fairview Farm Road, Ballyclare, proposed by Cllr Archibald-Brown, seconded by party colleague Ballyclare Cllr Helen Magill.
Other options submitted by the developer were Fairview Farm Lane and Fairview Farm Gardens.
However, at last month’s council meeting, members failed to agree a name for a development at Niblock Road, Antrim. The housing consists of 500 dwellings comprised of detached, semi-detached, townhouses and apartments.
The names proposed by the developer were Castlebrook and Castlemanor, relating to Antrim Castle. The remains of an old manor house were reportedly found on the site.
Another suggestion proposed by the developer was Springmeadow relating to the neighbouring Springfarm development.
It was proposed by Antrim Sinn Fein Cllr Lucille O’Hagan, seconded by Antrim Alliance Cllr Neil Kelly to defer back to the developer for further consideration to “ensure that the archaeological significance of the site be fully taken into consideration in the proposed name”.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter