Clarke welcomes indication that the Catholic Church will honour agreement to sell land to Down Council

Alliance Down Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed news that the parish priest of Maghera (Newcastle) has indicated that the Catholic Church will agree to honour the sale of the former St. Mary’s school land to Down District Council. There was a concern that the sale may fall through after the estate agent for the land said that two higher bids had been received.

Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “I am pleased that the parish priest of Maghera (Newcastle), through his parish solicitor, has now indicated that he will honour the agreement reached with Down District Council to sell the lands at the former St. Mary’s Primary School in Newcastle.

“It would have been very disappointing and indeed an act of bad faith on the part of the Diocese of Down and Connor not to have honoured the agreement reached with Down District Council.

“However, I will reserve judgement and await until the memorandum of sale is completed, signed and sealed regarding the sale of the lands which had been originally agreed between Council and the Diocese of Down and Conor on 28th October.”

ENDS