For years, my family and I have cherished our walks along the paths at Pickie. I still have vivid memories of my children pointing out the ferries crossing the lough, their faces lit up with excitement. The expansive view of the sea across to Scotland and the iconic silhouette of the piers and Bangor town centre were a constant backdrop to our lives. However, over the last few years, this view has been slowly and sadly disappearing. The dense overgrowth of shrubs has turned our favourite coastal vista into a green wall that blocks the once-stunning views.

Pickie Funpark is a cherished landmark for residents and visitors of Bangor, Northern Ireland. Its beautiful setting, with stunning views of the marina and Belfast Lough, is a key part of its appeal. Its beauty, with breathtaking views of the marina and Belfast Lough, draws people from all walks of life. However, in recent years, the area has become increasingly overgrown with dense shrubs and unruly smaller trees, blocking these iconic views and detracting from the park's natural beauty, reducing visitor enjoyment.

Restoring Pickie's scenic views not only enhances the park’s aesthetic appeal but also preserves an important part of Bangor’s heritage. These views are integral to the identity of the community and hold sentimental value for many who, like myself, have formed precious memories against this backdrop.

We are not asking for a clear-cutting of the area. We call upon Ards & North Down Council to take action to restore these iconic views by acting responsibly:

Selectively removing the overgrown shrubs and smaller, invasive trees that are currently obstructing the beautiful coastal views.
Creating a clear maintenance plan to ensure the area remains tidy and the views are preserved for future generations.
Protecting and preserving the large, old established pine trees that are an essential part of Pickie's character.
By managing the greenery in a way that respects the natural environment while keeping sightlines open, we can strike a balance and bring back the beauty that makes Pickie so special.

By signing this petition, you are telling Ards & North Down Council that you want to see Pickie Funpark's beauty restored.

Please sign this petition to urge the council to prioritise this matter and bring back the panoramic views that the failure to maintain the grounds (which were fenced off and given over to Pickie Funpark) has robbed us of!