12/08/2009

Big Top Circus Dispute Over

The show must go on, and thanks to last minute safety measures getting approval, a circus has now been cleared to open its 'Big Top' in Co Down.

Earlier this week a performance ban on the Super Circus Sydney performances - which was due to run until Sunday - was imposed.

There were worries about safety with up to 600 people expected for performances.

However, it is to be allowed to open after fire chiefs gave their approval, a High Court judge has ruled.

Mr Justice Weatherup said he would lift a temporary injunction provided it passed a last-minute safety inspection.

Newry and Mourne District Council had sought to prevent the erection of the big top at a site in Warrenpoint.

Council concerns centred around traffic and parking facilities, with the High Court told how cars left on either side of the road last year narrowed the route.

Lawyers for the council based their opposition on a failure to follow the proper process and the need to ensure public safety.

However, with parking said to have been arranged at the Warrenpoint to Rostrevor Road site, the judge was told police and Road Service objections had eased.

(BMcC/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
06 October 2003
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
21 March 2005
New road safety campaign for young people
Environment Minister Angela Smith has launched a new Road Safety campaign highlighting the dangers faced by young people on the roads.
25 January 2005
Minister praises Lisburn Community Safety Partnership
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today praised the work of the Lisburn Community Safety Partnership (CSP) during a visit to its new premises in the city. Speaking at the formal opening of the new offices Mr Spellar praised the work undertaken to date by local CSP’s, with one now in place in each Council area of Northern Ireland.
17 December 2013
Multi-Agency Group To Promote Road Safety
A new multi-agency group has been launched to help promote road safety across Northern Ireland.