Helen McFadden hopes to link the
Hillsborough Road entrance to Dromore with one of
its famous 'sons' and one of the greatest inventors
and innovators of the 20th century - Harry Ferguson.
George Milligan has donated this 'Little Grey
Fergie' to be decorated and re-sited for the benefit
of visitors to historic Dromore. BL31602dmcw
A WELL-KNOWN Dromore woman is hoping to place
an ornamental tractor at the Hillsborough Road entrance to the
town in honour of world-famous inventor Harry Ferguson.
Helen McFadden has sourced a small Massey
Ferguson tractor, named after Harry Ferguson from Growell
outside Dromore, which she wants to see on the roadside at the
entrance to the town.
But the final decision rests with Roads
Service who own the land.
She said: "People have said to me about how
dreadful looking the place is at the Welcome to Dromore sign.
I'm trying to get something done. The tractor could make a nice
feature if it was up on blocks and flowers planted around it."
But John Beatty, Section Engineer with Roads
Service in Banbridge, who spoke with Mrs McFadden a number of
weeks ago, said the plan was not as simple as it may first
appear. He said Roads Service needs clear details about the
proposed location of the tractor and explained safety was
paramount.
Mr Beatty said the decision depended on a
number of issues, including protection of the taxpayer and
safety of road users. "There is a traffic management issue and
planning permission may need to be granted for example," he
said.
Mr Beatty said it is preferable that the
local council undertakes to look after displays like the one
proposed by Mrs McFadden. He said: "An individual would have to
take out a maintenance agreement for seven years saying they
accept responsibility for maintaining it. It is very difficult
for an individual to undertake this.
"Roads Service have to protect the taxpayer
in that something is not put there and then allowed to go
completely wild as it would have to be removed at the taxpayers'
expense.
"I'm not saying permission wouldn't be given but that it
would only be given subject to certain safeguards for the road
user."
