Photo ban outside Civic Centre leaves visitor with negative feelings

Alderman Jim Dillon said he had been contacted by an angry ratepayer who had been to visit the Pantridge statue outside the centre with friends from London.

Mr Dillon told a meeting of Lisburn Council: "The gentleman in the party had come specially to see the Pantridge statue as he regards Professor Pantridge as a lifesaver because of his invention of the defibrillator. They wanted to take photographs at the statue but a member of security ran out and told them to stop, that you are not allowed to take photographs there.

"We have a 26 million building here and tourists can't take photographs; there's obviously something wrong."

Mr Dillon said the visit had left a "sour taste" in the mouths of the tourists, who then cut short their visit to the city.

"The gentleman used a defibrillator some years ago and has a high opinion of Professor Pantridge for designing it. He expressed a desire to go and see the statue and they had intended to go to the restaurant afterwards. They had also wanted to visit the Irish Linen Centre, but they just left the city and will not be back in Lisburn."

Mr Dillon added: "Ratepayers paid for that building, I could see it if it was policy about photographing inside the building, but not outside. This is no reflection on the security, they are just doing what they are told.

"I raised the money to provide that statue, which cost 20,000, and I felt let down. I'm sure the lady involved gave a generous donation towards it."

A Council spokesperson commented: "Lisburn City Council has in place a policy in relation to the taking of photographs in Council facilities which states that permission is required prior to the taking of any photography.

"This policy was inadvertently applied when a group of visitors were taking photographs of the Pantridge Memorial Statue outside Lagan Valley Island and the Council would like to apologise for any embarrassment caused."