Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council approved dual English and Irish street signs for Ballyoran Hill in Portadown. The decision followed a resident vote where two thirds of respondents supported the change.

Council received the application in May last year. It met the policy requirement of a petition signed by at least one third of occupiers. Staff verified the signatures using the Electoral Register.

The council then surveyed all 38 occupiers by post. After adjusting for three invalid addresses, 35 residents qualified. Twenty-five supported the signs and ten opposed, surpassing the two-thirds threshold of 24.

Tom Lavery, head of building control, presented a report to the planning committee in April. The committee approved four signs at a cost of around £1,000, plus £136 for postal surveys.

Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery proposed approval, stating the threshold was met. Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Duffy seconded. DUP Councillor Scott Armstrong requested a recorded vote.

Committee chair Councillor Mary O’Dowd announced passage with nine votes cast. Five councillors from Sinn Fein and Alliance voted in favour. Four DUP representatives abstained.

The council issued its street naming policy in October 2020 to meet statutory duties.