AN IMPRESSIVE collection of stones which have been painted with simple messages of hope and solidarity and left on harbour walls in a Co Down town are to put on permanent display.
The spontaneous response to the lockdown began a year ago in Donaghadee with colourful tributes to the NHS and other key workers before being added to with more general images of hope.
Stone painting or `rocking' has been seen across the world and is believed to have started in the US.
However, as 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the town's famous pier and lighthouse, it was suggested that a new permanent home be found for the display.
Ards and North Down Borough Council agreed in October to ask the Donaghadee Community Development Association (DCDA) to co-ordinate a collection of views from local people on ideas for the future location and display of the stones.
A spokeswoman said members of the public were encouraged to put forward their views on what should be done and "a shortlist of these ideas was drawn up based on what was considered feasible, taking into account land ownership, regulatory restrictions and technical considerations".
"The community was again invited to share their views on the shortlist of ideas through a survey that was launched in December."
It was stressed that the stones "should remain in a prominent position in Donaghadee and serve as a permanent reminder of the pandemic" and the public were reminded "they cannot be fixed on the harbour structure as this is a listed structure (and) are likely to loosen if fixed to a vertical surface".
"A total of 256 responses were received and the clear favourite from the community is to install the stones at the site of the old fountain in Lemon's Wharf," the spokeswoman said.
Councillors have now approved the removal of the stones temporarily "in order to protect them and the harbour, and approved the relocation of the stones in accordance with the survey results".
However, due to the large number of stones which have accumulated, the council is now looking for a possible second site for some at a second site, with one suggestion the Moat Area.
Dating back to 1818, the former arsenal is now part of a park.
The council said the DCDA will be involved in discussions about "how stones will be selected in a way that engages the community".
Also considered initially were the area between the war memorial and the slipway, photographs taken of the stones for a permanent display, with the originals buried and the spot marked with a plaque or them all combined to make "a feature" covered in resin.
