A brief update on the events of the last week. Councillors on Newry, Mourne and Down's Planning Committee have extended their vow of silence and remain steadfast in their refusal to disclose the reasons for approving the JC Campbell planning application. We have received unconfirmed reports of Councillors taking cover behind the Big Stone, hiding in the bamboo bushes in Kilbroney Park and going so far as to wade into the glacial waters of Carlingford Lough to avoid addressing the community's straightforward request for the reasons why they chose to make a decision contrary to their own planning officer's expert recommendation. This response has left ratepayers wondering why exactly are we paying each of these Councillors an extra £3,400 a year to sit on the Planning Committee? Despite the Council's refusal to comment since the Planning Committee meeting, The Newry Reporter reported that Cllr Murnin offered the following reasons for supporting the proposal: 1) The development offered greater open space provision than policy required. (conveniently ignoring the fact that car parks are not open space) 2) That it was in keeping with the current site and would add to the quality of the area. 3) That it represented historic use of the site. (was there an underground car park beneath the Great Northern Hotel?) 4) It would add to the townscape of Rostrevor. 5) It would benefit the local area. Unfortunately, Ballynahinch-based Cllr Murnin refused to elaborate on what the distinction was between reasons 2, 4 and 5 but expressed confidence that he could defend his decision in the result of any future legal challenge. Finally, despite raising hopes of opening a dialogue with the local community in an "open door" pledge last week, JC Campbell's General Manager has now stated, "It is time to move on and stop talking". For further information: http://www.outlooknews.co.uk/articles/news/61677 As we edge ever closer to 3,500 signatures, we would like to thank you for your continued support and for taking the time to engage in this important community issue.