Improvements planned for ‘model’ Laois village
One of the entrance signs for beautiful Clough village. File image
A BEAUTIFUL Laois village that was described as “a model” is in line for further enhancement, following a proposal at a council meeting.
Clough village is already renowned for its community spirit and dedicated volunteers, which saw the area scoop a remarkable 365 marks in this year’s Tidy Towns competition.
This result was second only to nearby Ballacolla (373), which topped the category for villages with a population of under 200 in the county. Clogh came joint-second with equally well-maintained Emo.
During this year’s adjudication, Tidy Towns judges highlighted the Boherard road as an area where further improvements could enhance the village even further.
Cllr John King proposed a number of works at the December meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District (MD).
He asked the council to remove part of the embankment on the Boherard road, close to the new GAA grounds, to create a space for two flower beds beside the old village pump.
He also asked for a new village sign to be erected at the site, to match the existing ones on two other access routes to the village. The familiar entrance signs for Clough, featuring a fox, are a distinctive asset and create a wonderful first impression for new visitors.
Cllr King said: “The Tidy Towns group have done a lot of work and there are two lovely signs as you come into the village but there is none on the Boherard side. There is a little area around the pump that needs to be done.
“This was highlighted by the Tidy Towns adjudicators and Clough could increase their marks if this work was carried out.”
The Rathdowney councillor was supported by Cllr Ollie Clooney from Durrow, who described Clough as “a model little village”.
Cllr Clooney said: “New houses have brought new life into the village and we need that everywhere. It is a really, really special place and it’s a credit to the community.”
In a written response to the proposal, a council official said MD office staff would meet Cllr King on site in Clough to discuss the requirements involved for the works.
