Pupils from Doagh Primary School have had their say in helping shape local history.
As part of a ‘What’s in a name’ history project they submitted names and suggestions for two new housing developments in the County Antrim village.
Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown quipped she was “disappointed” the developer, Antrim Construction Company, did not select suggestions of “Thor” and “Rocky River Ridge” suggesting that the latter “sounded like something Dolly Parton would sing about”.
Speaking at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, at Mossley Mill, on Monday evening, Cllr Archibald-Brown said it is “nice to have a shared history”.
She proposed The Beetlings for the development at Station Road. This name derives from the local linen industry where the hills in the area were used for the process of beetling, councillors were told.
She proposed Flaxfield for the adjacent new housing at Burn Road to retain a connection to the historic local linen industry.
Ballyclare Independent Cllr Michael Stewart said he was “absolutely delighted” with the proposed names, which he added, “complement each other”. “They will reflect the industrial heritage of the area. I am very happy to second,” he added.
The development at Burn Road consists of 48 detached and semi-detached properties. It is one of two developments by the developer separated by a river. The second is accessed at Station Road in the village.
Mayor DUP Threemilewater Cllr Mark Cooper BEM remarked: “I think it is great we have agreement.”
Separately at the same meeting, the name Stiles Avenue was agreed for a new social housing scheme in Antrim which has been developed by Choice Housing off Fountain Hill.
The new accommodation consists of 34 new detached and semi-detached houses and apartments.
Antrim DUP Cllr Paul Dunlop BEM commented on the a “lack of consultation” with councillors in the DEA (District Electoral Area). He recommended consultation with a district’s elected representatives by developers in the future.
Cllr Dunlop proposed Stiles Avenue, seconded by Antrim SDLP Cllr Roisin Lynch.