Issue 229 - BT22 • BT23
Newtownards Fire Station Completes £1m Refurbishment
One Mural to Rule Them All
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has completed a significant £1m refurbishment at Newtownards Fire Station to enhance its facilities.
A new mural has recently appeared on the gable wall of a prominent business building in Bangor. The Lord Of The Rings inspired artwork has been created on the premises of Robinson Goldsmiths. The business owners the Robinson Family told EDA Media. “The Lord of The Rings inspired us, craftsmanship and storytelling sit at the heart of what we do, so collaborating with Bangor artist Jossie Pops felt like a natural fit. Inspired by the iconic ring from The Lord of the Rings, the mural brings together our passion for creating bold iconic Jewellery. We wanted to create something a little unexpected for the town, celebrating local talent while adding a
Originally built in the early 1950’s, the Station has been modernised to meet the needs of a contemporary Fire & Rescue Service, enhancing operational capability, Firefighter welfare and sustainability. The refurbishment works, completed successfully in April 2026, represent a significant investment in local fire and rescue infrastructure, ensuring the Station is fit for purpose for years to come. The Station now benefits from improved welfare facilities, bespoke kit room, and fully renewed mechanical and electrical systems. To support sustainability goals, the Station has been installed with solar panels. NIFRS Southern Area Commander Dermot Rooney said: “The completion of
new talking point in Bangor. We hope it encourages people to visit, take a selfie with the wall, and enjoy a small bit of magic right here on the High Street.” Mural artist Jossie Pops, whose real name is Johnny Hamilton, gained popularity after Hollywood a-lister Gerard Butler visited Bangor to see a mural that he had painted of him while he was recently filming in Northern Ireland. The artist has also created striking murals recently featuring local icons such as Liam Neeson, Gary Lightbody and Rory McIlroy.
The Robinson family pictured with the Lord Of The Rings themed mural by Jossie Pops which has been created on the gable wall of Robinson Goldsmiths in Bangor.
this £1m refurbishment at Newtownards Fire Station is a significant investment in both our people and our infrastructure. After over 70 years of service, these upgrades will ensure the Station remains effective for decades. We are dedicated to providing our crews with safe and modern working environments and we are proud to see this Station transformed into a facility that reflects the standards and ambition of NIFRS. “Newtownards Fire Station plays a vital role in emergency response to its local community. We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to this project and to the local community for their continued trust and backing of their Fire & Rescue Service. Together we are helping to make Northern Ireland a safer place for all.”
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The Ards Advertiser
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Issue 229 - Support Local
Issue 229 - Support Local
The Ards Advertiser Page 3
Equality and Disability Action Plans
Ards and North Down Borough Council has formally launched its new Equality Action Plan and Disability Action Plan, setting out clear commitments to reduce barriers, improve accessibility and strengthen engagement across the Borough. The plans were launched at the May Meeting of the Disability Forum where members, elected representatives, council officers and partners came together to mark a significant step forward in embedding equality and inclusion into everyday council services and decision making. The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said: “This is about more than the publication of two important documents – it is about people, partnership and progress. I want to sincerely thank the members of the Disability Forum for the time, commitment and honesty they have brought to this work. Their lived experience has helped shape plans that are grounded in reality, not theory. While the process has not always been easy, it has been essential
Members of the Disability Forum, alongside elected members and the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, gather to launch the new Equality Action Plan and Disability Action Plan.
in creating stronger, more meaningful and more accountable plans. These Action Plans commit us not just to action, but to ongoing dialogue, open review of our progress, and ensuring equality considerations are embedded across everything we do.” The Equality and Disability Action Plans set out practical
and measurable actions focused on reducing barriers to access, improving accessibility across council services and facilities, strengthening engagement with residents and stakeholders, and embedding equality across all areas of council work. Council officers and partners were
also acknowledged for their role in developing the plans and for their responsibility in delivering and monitoring progress in the years ahead. The Equality Action Plan and Disability Action Plan are available to view here - Equality and Disability - Ards and North Down Borough Council