Circuses lose out amid plans to refurbish landmark

THE Green, for generations a famous and much loved Midleton landmark, is to undergo major refurbishment in the coming months.

The ‘new’ Green will be spectacularly changed from what Midletonians have known for decades, but possibly the biggest change of all will be its demise as the venue for visiting circuses, which have been accommodated there for more years than anyone in the east Cork town can remember.

Two months ago the town council went through the legal formality of placing the public notice advertising its plans in the press, and all nine councillors have given the proposals their seal of approval.

Because the revamped Green will no longer have the necessary space to accommodate the circus, an alternative venue is to be sought. That is not what one councillor, Betty Wall, wanted, but her colleagues believe that a suitable replacement venue can, and will, be found.

A feature of the ‘new’ Green will be a raised pedestrian walkway to include disabled parking facilities with suitable access for them to the area.

Mayor of Midleton Mary Woods gave the proposals an unqualified welcome, stating that when completed it will be a wonderful amenity that will be greatly used and appreciated by the public.

“Its new layout will not make it suitable for circuses,” Ms Woods said, “but I’m sure there are other more suitable locations for them in the town.”

Councillors Billy Buckley and Niall O’Neill said the refurbished Green will provide Midleton with a fabulous amenity, while councillor Ted Murphy said it will greatly improve the image of the town.