Green Party Councillor, Barry McKee said " I am delighted to receive notification from Translink that works to refurbish the sand chimney & outbuildings near Bangor railway station will begin on November 1st. 

This last remaining piece of historic railway heritage from the original Bangor railway station was set to be demolished in January 2020 before I began campaigning to preserve it. 

With help from members of the local community and railway enthusiasts, we managed to put a pause on the works to demolish the sand chimney. 

While the works were paused this gave time for one of those enthusiasts Robin Masefield to uncover the full extent of the history behind the chimney, so that he & I could make the case to Translink & Historic Environment Division in the Department for Communities that the Chimney must be saved. Thankfully Translink were convinced by the historical evidence presented by Robin and progressed with acquiring the funding to preserve the sand drying chimney.

This is a great example of what can be achieved by members of the community making their voices heard in preserving things of local historical importance. It is easy for the significance of disused buildings or landmarks to be forgotten and we have lost many in this city over the years.

All who assisted in this campaign by writing to Translink can take satisfaction in a job well done. I am so pleased that the Sand Chimney will be a reminder of the historic origins of the Belfast & County Down Railway for generations to come."

ENDS