Ballyclare ‘Monopoly board’ street names row

Three names were proposed at a meeting of the borough council’s Community Planning Committee on Monday evening on behalf of the developer for the 12 new homes at Rashee Road.

These were Marlborough Square, Merchants Square and Archers Park.

Ballyclare Ulster Unionist Councillor Vera McWilliam proposed the name Marlborough Square.

Independent Ballyclare Councillor Michael Stewart  commented: “All three proposals relate to a papermill at Rashee Road. There never has been a papermill at Rashee Road. I suggest we go back to the developer to reconsider.”

DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald Brown said that she would urge caution added: “We do not want to sound like a Monopoly board in Ballyclare.

“These names are like something you would find in London. Maybe something a bit more appropriate to the area would be better.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Norrie Ramsey commented that Archers Park would be “relevant to the history”.

Committee chairman Councillor Mark Cooper suggested that the matter be referred back to the developer.

Alliance Councillor Billy Webb stated: “There definitely was a papermill in Ballyclare.”

Cllr Stewart replied: “Everyone is aware there was a papermill in Ballyclare. There were two papermills in Ballyclare. The developer has referred to a papermill at Rashee Road.

“Marlborough Square, Archers Park and the other have no place in a market town like Ballyclare. It is not a Monopoly board.”

Cllr McWilliam commented: “I am quite happy to bring it back but not at all happy with the ‘like a Monopoly board’ comment.”

“Saying Marlborough Square is too fancy for Ballyclare, I do not accept that and I am not at all happy.”

Meanwhile, the name Rushfield was approved for a new 131-home development at Doagh Road.

Airport Councillor Matthew Magill proposed the name Rushfield.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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