Roundabout still has town talking

The MAIL reported a few weeks ago on a Facebook group which was set up where people discussed the redevelopment of the roundabout at the Dungannon Road junction, and there was a largely negative reaction to the project.

Since then, the group has grown in size to close to 600, with the majority still opposed to the sculpture, which takes its inspiration from the Sperrin Mountains and the Beaghmore Stone Circles.

As usually happens on internet forums and websites, rumours, speculation and hearsay have been abounding and there were some accusations regarding the designer of the sculpture.

Some comments on the group's wall even suggest that the design of the sculpture is a symbol for the New World Order - an alleged secret organisation whose aim is world domination.

Facebook users have been leaving their views on the Mid Ulster Mail's Facebook page also. One user had this to say:

"I don't think it was a bad idea to bring some sort of art to the town, (personally I think it's about time) but to have a monument that bears no creativity and reference to the town itself is an insult. Surely with a bit of research on the history of the town and possibly a survey from the public on ideas would of brought about a better, more accomplished monument."

One user described the sculpture as "appalling."

"The fact that this sculpture is ugly isnt the main problem here, the point of it even being pushed concerns me. Cookstown is becomming (sic) more and more of a spot for peopel (sic) outside the town to come and enjoy them selfs (sic) in various bars and clubs this unfortunatly (sic) brings vilolence (sic) and as a young person myself i see these fights regularly.

"Surely would it not make more scense (sic) to put up more cctv station insted (sic) of the two we currently have that clearly dont provide enough coverage."

Another user was hugely critical of Cookstown District Council: "I personally think that if Cookstown Council had 70,000 to spend on 'Arts' they should have came up with something more realistic than the 'thing' they have.

"I think its a disgrace that such money should be spent on something so wasteful. People are crying out for hospital appointments and are being put on long lists to wait. 70,000 would definitely help at the Mid Ulster Hospital and would save local people having to go elsewhere for medical care."

Alot of people wanted Cookstown District Council to come out and justify the expendature on the roundabout sculpture, and when approached, Cookstown Council issued the following statement:

"The Council Chief Executive, Michael McGuckin, is aware that the landscaping project, a joint initiative by the Department for Social Development and the Council has stimulated even more debate and discussion than the Council had anticipated, and this is very welcome.

"The landscaping and stainless steel feature depicting Beaghmore Stone Circles and the Sperrins, designed by S Todd Landscape design, has generated a number of differing views, and he suggests that further comment will be welcome when the scheme is complete and the project can be viewed in its entirety.

"Mr McGuckin wishes to address some points that have arisen and provide clarity on the project.

"The scheme has its origins back in late 2002 when the Council agreed to investigate possible layouts for a revamp of the A29 roundabout.

"Stephen Todd Landscape Design, who had just carried out similar roundabout schemes in Coleraine and other areas, was asked to produce options for consideration at no cost to the Council. Three concepts were subsequently considered by Council and in February 2003 agreement was reached on the present scheme. The delivery of the scheme was subject to the securing of the necessary sponsorship which was not forthcoming at the time.

"The scheme was resurrected in early 2009, planning permission having been granted in 2006, by an in-house team which completed the detailed design and tender documentation for the project. A funding bid was made to the Department for Social Development in conjunction with the Town Centre Forum for financial support towards a Town Centre Gateway Environmental Improvement initiative. The bid was successful in achieving 50,000 support.

"Tenders for the works, sub divided into the stainless steel landscape feature and the site works, were invited by public advertisement in the Belfast Telegraph on 20 November 2009. Tenders were received, considered by Council and awarded to the lowest tenderers – Burrows Engineering, Dungannon and R&M Greenkeepers, Cookstown, both local companies, at a total cost of 61,000. Electrical work commissioned by annual tender to the value of 4,000 was estimated and awarded to OMV Electrics, Pomeroy.

"To summarise the figures, the overall cost of contractual work is 65,000 funded by 50,000 from Department for Social Development and 15,000 from the Council. Council is currently investigating the possibility of receiving landfill tax support for its element of expenditure.

Mr McGuckin himself had this to say: “I hope I have clarified the background and process adopted for the A29 roundabout scheme. If further clarification is requested I will be delighted to respond. I would also like to complement R&M Greenkeepers and Burrows Engineering for the quality of their work considering the difficult working conditions they had to endure at this location. I would also like to thank my own Council staff for their diligent work and support to the scheme.”