Floral appreciation for local NHS workers

Located at Kings Bridge, Cookstown and the Coolshinney Road, Magherafelt, the design was decided upon as a token of appreciation for NHS staff who have played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea for the flower beds belongs to Mid Ulster District Council’s head gardener, Kenneth Houston who wanted to give something back to the NHS.

The flower beds are made up of the letters NHS and red hearts and each took a day to complete.

Speaking about the flower beds, the Chair of Council’s Environment Committee, Sean McGuigan said we all owe NHS staff a huge debt.

“Everyone knows by now the truly magnificent and self-sacrificing work our NHS staff have carried out, and continue to carry out, on the front line in the fight against the COVID-19 virus,” said Councillor McGuigan.

“Doctors, nurses, paramedics, auxiliary staff, carers and countless others have continued to provide care to those affected by the virus on a daily basis with no consideration given to their own health and safety. We all owe them a huge debt.

“The two beautiful and totally deserving flowerbeds in Mid Ulster go some way in signifying our recognition of, appreciation for, and thanks to this remarkable and inspirational service.

“I also want to thank the Council staff who came up with and executed this thoughtful gesture on a job terrifically done. Thank you.”

by Adam Morton, Local Democracy Reporter

---

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you