by DAVID CONVERY

John Reid - Lisburn Reformed Presbyterian Church, Trevor Taylor - Trust Deputy President, Joe Watson - Architect and CIIr James Tinsley - Mayor of Lisburn City Council

LISBURN Reformed Presbyterian Church has won an award for the design of its improved access for people with disabilities.

The William Keown Trust Access Award was granted in recognition of the church's "external and internal provisions for people with disability and those with advancing years."

A total of fourteen awards were given to various building projects across the province, but Lisburn Reformed Presbyterian was the only church to be recognised for making a more inclusive environment for disabled people.

Architect Joe Watson, along with John Reid representing the church's members and Councilor James Tinsley, Mayor of Lisburn were on hand to accept the award from Trevor Taylor, Deputy

President of the William Keown Trust. Councillor Tinsley said: "This award is a credit to the church. It is important not to ignore the more vulnerable members of the community.

"The William Keown Trust leads by example - gone are the days when we could neglect the needs of people with disabilities."

The newly refurbished church has a ramp with handrails on both sides leading to the main entrance, and all doors are of suitable width for a wheelchair to pass through. All floors are carpeted and the sanctuary has pews and movable chairs. Further plans are in place to have the car park surfaced and suitably marked out.

The aim of the William Keown Trust is to reward innovation and foresight to make building design more amenable for the one in five members of the population who have a disability.

Lisburn Reformed Presbyterian Church has been singled out for particular praise for its work.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: "The small congregation is to be commended for going the second mile in the provision of user friendly facilities which welcomes everyone irrespective of circumstance."

For more information on the work of the William Keown Trust, visit their website at www.wkeowntrust.co.uk or call 028 4375 1243.

Ulster Star
18/01/2008