As confusion surrounds the site chosen for a new permanent Bikers Memorial in Clones Monaghan County Council has "paused the project pending a review".
The well-known Bikers Memorial Committee was formed to remember family and friends along the Monaghan / Fermanagh border who lost their lives to motorbike accidents. Each year, the group meet at an organised bike run to remember loved ones but, recently it was decided to create a permanent memorial which would provide a centrepoint for biker friends to meet and reminisce.
However, confusing accounts about the location of the memorial site has generated objections and a petition from local people. While the council invited submissions from artists to provide designs for a memorial at the "Ulster Canal and Marina" it was stated elsewhere that the permanent memorial was going to be installed at the local children's playpark.
This prompted around 200 local people to sign a petition objecting to the playground site because it is a well-used public facility enjoyed by local families and their children, some of whom have special needs.
Now, Monaghan County Council has confirmed to Northern Sound "A review of the proposed location will be undertaken, as will 4 to 5 other potential sites in the town." A spokesperson said: "The expressions of concern from the community are being taken onboard and in the interest of providing a voice to all parties the elected members wish to give due consideration to all options."
Katie Lendrum, is one of those Clones residents who objects to the plans. She said the Bikers Committee are always welcome in Clones and she hopes they find a permanent site for their memorial in their town, just not the playpark (listen below):
