Street benches for Ballymote town

A number of street benches will be built in Ballymote in the next few months. Ballymote Councillor Keith Henry previously raised the lack of street seats at a meeting of Sligo County Council last autumn when he said there were more benches outside the council offices in the space of 50 metres than in the whole town of Ballymote.

He pointed out that he has been working with the local engineer and council staff on the matter since then.

The Tidy Towns Committee were successful in attaining money for seating and another source of funding was received to purchase the much needed seats.

Cllr Henry added: “Every town in the country must have seats available at this stage in its public areas so why should Ballymote be any exception?

“This will make the town easier for the elderly to get around should they need to stop and take a breather as well as allow people just to sit and chat outdoors if they so wish.

“I want to thank the council staff and the community groups for their assistance on this matter and we will be conducting a walk-ability study to find out what challenges are present in Ballymote for those who are less mobile.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy and do their business in the town and this study and the seats will go someway to improving that,” he added.