With the pace of life so manic these days, it's nice to be able to switch off, relax and unwind.
For some this will be a workout at the gym, for others, it will be a lazy day on the sofa with a good book and some yummy chocolate. But for me it involves a 45-minute drive from Belfast to the heart of Co Down to the village of Strangford. the beau and i regularly visit his home to see his parents and each and every time, it's a lovely experience.
From the minute we enter the village, for some reason i get a warm, cosy feeling and like the flick of a switch i can feel myself unwinding. i like the slower pace of life in Strangford, where you can temporarily forget your worries and stresses. in particular i love having a walk around the quay. there's always a friendly face down around the harbour and we regularly take a seat and watch the water and the boats and take in the stunning views of Portaferry and the lough.
Of course, the village is also a popular destination for tourists and the local bars, guest inn and eateries are often packed with visitors from near and far, which is great for the local business owners.
So, of course, it's only right then that some bureaucrat sitting at his or her desk in a darkened office somewhere - a million miles away from Strangford - should come up with a simply stupid idea that seeks to spoil all of this. that's right, instead of leaving this cute little village to welcome tourists, happily getting by causing no trouble or strife to anyone, Department for Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service has decided to destroy the beautiful views, ruining the village as a consequence. the government department has submitted a planning application to erect a 1.8 metre high ibex fence around the village quay and a similar application has also been made for Portaferry the move, which is being ferociously opposed by residents (and rightly so), is apparently to do with security legislation so all passengers arriving and then leaving again on board mini cruise ships can pass through a 'controlled access area'.
Now, i know i'm just a so-called blow-in but i've been visiting Strangford regularly for more than four years now and i don't recall ever seeing a mini cruise ship and, after chatting with lo
cals, they say they have only ever seen a handful in their time in the village. if passed, the application will mean the view over the lough will be compromised, the view of Portaferry will be gone and the overall look of the quay will be lost.
Strangford is full of character and the erection of such a fence would adversely affect the village and possibly have a knock on effect on tourism because who wants to visit a picturesque village which has a cold, ugly, out-of-place fence closing off its quay, killing the views?
Last weekend, when the sun was shining, Strangford came alive with visitors and locals thanks to the summer festival.
On Sunday, as we strolled around the village, there were numerous activities going on at the quay, from fishing competitions to boat rides.
Should this fence be erected, these wonderful scenes will be lost. No-one will be able to fish, picnic, walk, sit, paint, view or photograph from the quay because it will be closed off.
During the festival, i visited a stall set up by a group of residents opposed to the plans who call themselves 'Fence Opposition' and i was delighted to see people queuing up to sign a petition. i added my name to that petition and have also lodged a letter of objection and hope many others will also. i absolutely intend to oppose these plans every step of the way and will do all i can to ensure Strangford is not ruined. i've seen many mind-boggling planning applications over the years but this really is one of the most ridiculous i've ever come across.
Maybe DRD should rethink this ludicrous idea and do something worthwhile instead.