6 comments

1. Hi Lesley,
   Thank you for your comments. I will make a note of your suggestions and raise them at the next meeting.
   See below for answers to your points raised:
   Improvements to both entrances to the ring as due to the heavy usage, especially due to large groups of cyclists these are often hazardous to cross.
   The issue of cyclists using the Giant’s Ring and potential damage from this activity was raised at the last meeting and the DOE-Historic and Environment division have said that they will assess the damage over the next couple of months and make a decision on their course of action then.

   • If possible re-route these large groups of cyclists.
   As above

   • The placement of bins at both entrances. Whilst I appreciate this may encourage people to leave rubbish, this would provide them with a safe and tidy place to dispose of it rather than throw it down. As the council now empty the two existing bins in the Village surely they could empty an additional one.
   This is a valid point which has been raised before and the various groups have said that from previous experience the placement of bins can encourage further fly tipping. It is definitely something that needs to be addressed and I will raise this issue again at the next meeting to see what options are available.

   • Repair of styles.
   I raised this subject myself at the meeting and there are issues relating to whose responsibility it is to repair the stiles, I hope by the next meeting there will be a further update on this issue.

   • Provision of adequate and informative signs posts – perhaps visual machines which give interesting and stimulating information about this Prehistoric enclosure.
   I know that there was previous discussion with regards to the signage in the area and there is a new ranger at the National Trust who will be carrying out a way marking project along the Giants Ring trail over the next year. The attendees of the meeting were in agreement that the area is of significant importance and is currently underused, the city council have said that member of the tourist board for Belfast will be invited to the next meeting and hopefully this will lead to further promotion of the site and improvements.

   • There are lovely walks all around this historic site and surely this should be promoted and preserved. Unfortunately and especially during the summer when numerous people visit they get lost or do not see what is available as there are insufficient sign posts. Route maps should be signposted showing different walks e.g. from Shaw’s Bridge along the tow path through the village to the ring and then back to Minnowburn via the rose garden. Given the age of the sight and its significance to people it should be given recognition. This area needs to be promoted for the increasing numbers of tourists to Northern Ireland and for educational reasons.
   As above.

   • Perhaps if the area is promoted and becomes more popular and recognised it may curtail the sexual activity that the site is famous for.
   This is exactly what the attendees at the meeting agreed upon, they want to see a steady flow of visitors move through the site, as this is a great way to reduce anti social behaviour. On a positive note the community police who attended the meeting said that there was no reported anti social behaviour at the site in the last year.

   • The roads in and around the site need to be repaired and the infrastructure improved, e.g… Placement of road speed signs (ideally 20miles per hour) and improved vision at bends e.g. mirrors.
   The representative of the Roads Service did not attend the last meeting but I hope to be able to raise this issue at the next meeting.

   • The wildlife needs to be protected e.g. endangered species such as the black bee, the two spotted ladybird and pigmy shrew.
   The department of the environment are currently working on a conservation management plan and hope to have this in place by the next meeting.

   Many thanks,
   Charlene

   • Thank you very much for getting back to me and updating. Its a great thing that you are doing for the Village and the greater good. Re: DOE-Historic and Environment division have said that they will assess the damage over the next couple of months is great news. Hopefully they are looking at it now as it is a real danger.
     As for the sexual activity it is still going on and I have unfortunately witnessed such events and in the Summer you can also see their specialist rubbish, I just don’t bother to report it and I know others don’t.
     I am not going to start moaning about the roads, the environment or anything else just wanted to say big thank you, it is very much appreciated.

2. Sorry I thought you had received y comments & perhaps I have messed up again with my great computer skills. However, I mistook confirmation from site, that you had received my comments on this very worrying issue. I therefore, forward it to you again. If I fail, once again to get this to you I will forward it directly to the relevant parties & hope that I may manage to get that correct.
   Hope is all going well & big thank you for all that you are trying to do for the village,

   If possible I would like the following points raised:-

   • Improvements to both entrances to the ring as due to the heavy usage, especially due to large groups of cyclists these are often hazardous to cross.
   • If possible re-route these large groups of cyclists.
   • The placement of bins at both entrances. Whilst I appreciate this may encourage people to leave rubbish, this would provide them with a safe and tidy place to dispose of it rather than throw it down. As the council now empty the two existing bins in the Village surely they could empty an additional one.
   • Repair of styles.
   • Provision of adequate and informative signs posts – perhaps visual machines which give interesting and stimulating information about this Prehistoric enclosure.
   • There are lovely walks all around this historic site and surely this should be promoted and preserved. Unfortunately and especially during the summer when numerous people visit they get lost or do not see what is available as there are insufficient sign posts. Route maps should be signposted showing different walks e.g. from Shaw’s Bridge along the tow path through the village to the ring and then back to Minnowburn via the rose garden. Given the age of the sight and its significance to people it should be given recognition. This area needs to be promoted for the increasing numbers of tourists to Northern Ireland and for educational reasons.
   • Perhaps if the area is promoted and becomes more popular and recognised it may curtail the sexual activity that the site is famous for.
   • The roads in and around the site need to be repaired and the infrastructure improved, e.g… Placement of road speed signs (ideally 20miles per hour) and improved vision at bends e.g. mirrors.
   • The wildlife needs to be protected e.g. endangered species such as the black bee, the two spotted ladybird and pigmy shrew.

3. A somewhat negative note, however, could cyclists be discouraged / banned from cycling around the top of The Ring? The pathway is already eroded significantly with walkers never mind bicycles What’s more they often sneak up behind you – is it no longer cool to ring a bell?

   • Hi Claire, thank you for your comment. I will raise the issue in the meeting next week and post up the outcome.
     Thanks,
     Charlene

     • Hi Claire,
       I just wanted to let you know that I brought up the issue you raised about the damage to the pathway due to cyclists at the meeting this week. It was agreed that the DOE- Historic Environment Division would assess the damage over the coming months and then decide what further action they would need to take.The next meeting will be at the start of April and I will ask again then what action they plan to take.
       Kind regards,
       Charlene

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