Armagh’s Little Barrack Street has had a bit of a facelift this week thanks to several well-meaning business owners who feel the council’s lack of proactivity has left them no other choice.
Led by Ian Liggett of Vibe Church – whose home is on Little Barrack Street itself – a team of four business owners turned their hands to street cleaning to improve the appearance – and safety – of the city shortcut.
The entirely voluntary clean-up operation commenced at 9am on Tuesday, October 8 and focused on cleaning the surface of the walkway’s granite pavement.
Ian was joined by The Galley owner, Alan Johnston, Barrack Street landlord, Philip Steenson and full-time Firefighter, Michael Dobbs, who provided the cleaning equipment from his own business, DJ Window Cleaning.
Ian explained how a conversation between he and Alan gave rise to the effort.
Work underway on Little Barrack Street
Speaking to Armagh I Ian said: “We were keen to see the area tidied up. We have families coming down here for functions and they are coming down through dirt, grime and green and people like using it as a walkway and it’s a lovely walkway if it’s kept clean.”
Both Alan and Ian’s day-to-day involves the serving of food to the public and Alan believes the exterior cleanliness of a business is every bit as important and the interior.
He said: “We are food businesses and people don’t want to see dirt, muck and weeds at the front and back of the premises.”
And so, Alan contacted Michael, who jumped at the chance to help.
The four felt strongly that Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are not doing enough to maintain the cleanliness of the high street.
Put simply, they said: “Look at how much they have spent on the path. If we don’t look after it who is going to?”
The difference in the pavement on Little Barrack Street and Barrack Street
“If you remember, when they were doing this there was talk of all the units getting work done and regenerating the streets and nothing has been done,” continued Alan.
“I don’t believe the pavement has been cleaned since it was laid.
“We all do our part but we shouldn’t have to.”
A welcome bonus to the enhanced look of the pavement was that the clean pavers held substantially more grip than the uncleaned slabs of Barrack Street – leading the group to ascertain that their work was not only pleasing to the eye but safer for all.
The slippiness of Armagh’s granite pavement has been a constant gripe since it was laid and after an elderly woman waited over an hour for ambulance after a fall in March 2023, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon had called for a power washing scheme “at least twice annually.”
When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said: “Our Street Cleansing team carry out a range of duties daily within Armagh City Centre to ensure the urban environment is kept clean and well maintained for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
“A specialised cleansing team completed power washing and weed/litter removal in the city centre over a two-week period in August.
“Staff are scheduled to undertake more specialist cleaning duties both in the city centre and in The Mall area later this month.
“In response to additional requests, we will endeavour to add other areas such as Little Barrack Street to our cleaning schedule.”
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