Looking back... New fire station planned for Glengormley

The new station, complete with the latest fire fighting equipment, was due to be sited in the vicinity of Glengormley High School.

The existing station was located at Carnmoney Road.

Deputy chief fire officer Sydney Pollock said that the new facility would be a “vast improvement”on the “decrepid and old-fashioned” building.

Agreement had been reached for the sale of the land from the North Eastern Education and Library Board to the Northern Ireland Fire Authority.

Mr Pollock said: “Once the land is secured, we can go ahead and design the station to suit the area.

“The authority has a programme of replacing old stations.

“It will remain a part-time operation, but if anything, the service will be improved.”

He stated that the issue of manning levels was “under constant review”.

“If we feel that Newtownabbey needs a full-time operation, then it can be introduced,” he added.