Spirited gesture from local businessman
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Lyle Watson of Kirkwood Coaches pictured with Heather Gibson, Manager; Sandra Elder, Clerk, and Peter McCool, Postmaster, Ballee Post Office at the Phoenix filling station who are running a bus every thirty minutes in the Harryville area for pensioners fr
A local businessman is offering residents of Harryville and Ballee a free Post Office bus service following the closure of Salisbury Square last month.
Mr Peter McCool, owner of Phoenix Service Station where the Ballee post office is located, decided to rally behind local residents having read about their plight in The Guardian.
The bus is operated by Kirkwood Coaches and will travel each Monday on a three-month-trial.
Passenger numbers are being monitored and if popular the service could become permanent.
Explaining his decision, Peter said he was saddened to learn that both the elderly and other Harryville residents were expected to take a long journey to use such a vital facility.
The businessman is funding the service entirely from his own pocket.
He said: "We are putting on this trial bus run to help the people of Harryville and especially the elderly who would find it difficult to travel to Ballee or the town centre.
“I read in the paper how concerned local people were with the closure of Salisbury so I contacted Lyle in Kirkwood Coaches to find out how much it would cost to run a bus.
“I will run the service for three months and if people make use of it then it could become a permanent fixture. If it makes life easier for the people of Harryville and of course Ballee then the service will have served its purpose."
Lyle Watson from Kirkwood Coaches said he was grateful to Mr McCool for helping the people of Harryville at a time when their access to public services was dwindling.
Continued Lyle, "When Peter contacted me I was only too glad to help out and offered him the bus at a reduced rate for the community.
“The bus route is a fantastic suggestion and Peter is certainly a saint for coming up with the idea. At a time when the Harryville community needed a helping hand Peter stepped in.
“I am sure everyone will be extremely pleased with the news."
Councillors Beth Adger and Tommy Nicholl also welcomed Peter's idea.
Speaking to The Guardian Mrs Adger said it demonstrated Mr McCool's community spirit.
Beth said: "I spoke with Peter about this following the closure of Salisbury, which I still maintain was an absolute disgrace, and I told him it would be such a generous thing to do.
“I hope people make use of the service and hopefully other community minded individuals will contribute towards it and help relieve some of the financial burden from Peter.
“It's a great scheme and has my full support. Peter deserves a big thank-you."
Ballymena DUP Leader, Cullybackey man, Tommy Nicholl commended both Peter and Lyle for helping elderly residents who were ignored during their opposition to Salisbury's closure.
“I am absolutely delighted by this gesture and both men are certainly providing a vital community service," commented Tommy.
“It demonstrates that people are not alone and others do actually care about their well being. Hopefully the bus will be full to capacity each Monday, it's a service which must be maintained."
Monday only
Salisbury Departure times (Bus leaves Phoenix every hour)
Salisbury Post Office: 9.00; 10.05; 11.05; 12.05; 13.05.
Larne Street (Opposite old Petrol Station): 9.05; 10.10; 11.10; 12.10; 13.10.
Wakehurst Road (Deerfin Fold): 9.10; 10.15; 11.15; 12.15; 13.15.
Arrive at Phoenix: 9.15; 10.20; 11.20; 12.20.
Ballee Departure times (Bus leaves Phoenix 25 minutes past every hour)
Drumtara Bus Stop: 9.30; 10.30; 11.30; 12.30.
Lanntara Phone Box: 9.35; 10.35; 11.35; 12.35.
Lettercreeve: 9.40; 10.40; 11.40; 12.40.
Arrive at Phoenix: 9.50; 10.50; 11.50; 12.50.
