Mystery houses revealed

We had some interesting suggestions from 'MAIL' readers including bird houses and moth monitors.

And one local councillor has expressed her disgust at the cost of the tiny properties.

The houses are a project as part of the Brownlow Linear Park Public Project.

Renowned artist and sculptor Tony Stallard has designed and produced three visionary bronze sculptures based on the theme 'An Irishman’s home is his castle'.

Each sculpture incorporates distinguishing features of well known castles throughout Co Armagh including Brownlow House, Creevekeeran Castle, Moyry Castle, Lagan Castle and Gosford Castle. The sculptures are situated along the Brownlow Linear Stream and come to life at night with the help of LED lighting.

The sculptures have been developed as part of the Brownlow Linear Park Public Project which began in 2005 and engaged residents living along the linear stream in a process where they would look at issues relevant to their area and engage with artists to create three pieces of exciting public art for their area.

After a period of engagement and consultation with community residents groups and local residents, renowned sculptor and artist Tony Stallard developed the theme for the public art - 'An Irishmans home is his castle' - originating from the community's belief that they are very proud of who they are and where they come from and reside.

Councillor Ronnie Harkness, Chair of the Leisure Services Committee, said: “The development of these sculptures will help to enhance the Brownlow area. It was very important to us that the people who benefit from this public art would have the opportunity to help shape their creation.

"Local communities, residents groups, funders and statutory authorities have worked closely with Craigavon Borough Council Officers and artist Tony Stallard to establish ideas for the development of these unique landmarks, which will leave a lasting legacy which people now and in the future will see for years to come.”

This project has been funded by the Northern Ireland Arts Council and the Department of Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme in partnership with Craigavon Borough Council.

However, Councillor Carla Lockhart is far from happy. She said: “Further to some fact finding of my own I established that these three castle like boxes cost in the region of 100,000.

“I am disgusted that tax payer’s money has been pumped into this project. In today’s society money is tight enough for all and I believe this is a sheer waste of public finance.”

She added: “I am aware that funding did come from DSD and the Arts Council for these three sculptures and at a time when we see budgets being slashed and the threat of severe cuts hanging over us I believe this 100,000 could have been better spent.”

“We only have to think upon the fact that DSD fund the Housing Executive therefore I would question its willingness to pump this money into houses that no one can live in. I believe it would be better fitted for them to use this money redecoration grants, repairs, and maintenance.”