PLUMBING NEW DEPTHS
NEWTOWNABBEY residents are plumbing new depths when it comes to finding a local tradesman to do work around the house.
According to a report published this week, the borough has fewer sparks, plumbers and other tradesmen than almost anywhere else in the UK.
It is one of the country's leanest areas for getting a new boiler fitted, an extension built or other jobs done in the home, information website locallife.co.uk claims.
It says Newtownabbey has fewer tradesmen per capita than almost anywhere else in the country - with each plumbing business, builder, plasterer, painter and decorator, electrician, roofer, carpenter or locksmith serving 804 people.
The area came eighth in the UK "white van" hall of shame. South Tyneside occupies top spot with one tradesperson for every 1,476 local residents - the worst ratio in the country. Belfast has the sixth lowest concentration of tradespeople.
In contrast, Southampton is the UK's 'white van wonderland'. The south coast city has the highest concentration of white van men, with each roofer, plasterer and other tradesperson serving 239 people.
Tony Martin, chair of locallife.co.uk, says: "In Scotland and South Wales the wolf-whistle has been decreed inappropriate and unacceptable as companies try to clamp down on tradesmen heckling pretty girls. But there's no need for such a measure in Newtownabbey - there's barely a builder's bum in sight."
He added: "The white van man shortage means some households in Newtownabbey may struggle to find an available tradesperson. But it's not all bad news. The lack of tradespeople means there are plenty of opportunities in the area for people in training, undertaking apprenticeships, or thinking of a career change."
Iain Patterson, President of the Glengormley Chamber of Commerce, said: "Speaking as a resident of Newtownabbey, I can say I find the statistics worrying.
"I will be raising the issue at a meeting of Newtownabbey Town Centre Management at Mossley Mill today (Thursday)."
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Weather for Newtownabbey
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
