I wish I was ............ (Carrickfergus Borough Council)

Member Name: Ghumphrey

Product:	Carrickfergus Borough Council
Date:	24/07/09 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice place to live

Disadvantages: Some areas need impoving

Carrickfergus Borough Council

I grew up in Carrickfergus and on the whole I have found it a nice and pleasant place to live with little or no trouble. Carrickfergus is famous for its impressive Norman Castle that was built in 12th century which has lovingly been maintained over the years. The castle has a great history (see the king of castles review) and features prominently on the Carrickfergus Borough Councils logo. The town is also famous for the song "I wish I was in Carrickfergus ...." which has been covered by a number of artists including Van Morrison and Charlotte Church. Over the years the years the council has done a good job promoting Carrickfergus and offers a wide range of services to the local population.

Where is Carrickfergus?

Carrickfergus is located on the shores of Belfast Lough. Its approximately 10 miles from Belfast city centre and as it's a nice straight road this journey could be done in about 15 mins. The city has a population in the region of 40,000 and has been growing steadily over the past two decades due to its close proximity to Belfast. Carrickfergus Borough Council covers an area of 32 square miles and is made up of three electoral areas Carrick Castle, Kilroot and Knockagh Monument. The council is made up of 17 elected representatives and at the last election the breakdown was 8 DUP, 4UUP, 3 alliance and 2 independents.

Carrickfergus Borough Council Website (www. Carrickfergus.org)

The council provides a wide range of services for the residents of Carrickfergus. Details of which can be found very easily on the website. The website is easy to navigate and is split into seven sections which include home, business, leisure, tourism, council and the environment.

Each section can then be expanded for more detail as required. For instance the tourism section can be expanded to provide information on all up coming events and things to do such as sailing, walks, golf etc.

The information on the site is vast. It ranges from community projects and centres where people can become involved to business information for potential investors. The site sets out the council's aims and objective in a number of issues' including the environment and the community.

My opinion

I believe that the borough council is doing a good job to promote the health and well being of the residents of Carrickfergus. The website is very easy to use and any required information can normally be found after only a few clicks. The services offered by the council are very wide ranging and I have noticed a definite shift since the peace process whereby the council has tried to become more inclusive of all sections of the community. This can only be a good thing and should be welcomed. The town itself is sometimes over looked by visitors due to its close proximity from Belfast and in my opinion more could be done to increase the tourist flow to the town but efforts are being made. For instance a two day event has been organised in August where a number of bands will be performing in front of the castle. Bands including Jools Holland and Status Quo and will provide and good boost to the local economy. Overall I would commend the council on their work and should I need any information on Carrickfergus I would be sure to visit the Councils website.

Carrickfergus Trivia

Jonathan Swift the author of Gullivers Travels lived in Carrickfergus
Andrew Jackson the 7th President of the USA has is ancestral home in Carrickfergus
Susan Kennedy from the Australian Soap neighbours was born in Carrickfergus(real name Jackie Woodburne)

Summary: Lovely town outside Belfast with lots of history and future potential