A father and his six-year-old daughter have come to the rescue of the Killyman community by installing a number of hand-crafted pothole signs around their locals roads.
Keith Clarke – owner of The Decka Garage gym – said he began tiring of the pothole problem when clients were continuously showing up to training with stories of yet another car stopped on the side of the road.
In one day, he said, the mobile tyre unit had been out to the same area on three occasions.
Enough was enough!
Speaking to Armagh I, Keith explained that he used to be involved with races and had a number of old mile markers in his house.
With daughter Brooklyn’s help he used some electrical tape to spell out ‘Pothole Ahead’ on the board and secured it to a fence post.
It started with one, but as is the habit with these things, it soon snowballed.
While out installing a new sign, Brooklyn came up with her own idea to make them even more impactful. She turned to her dad and said: “Can we put balloons on it to catch people’s attention?”
So naturally, Keith popped straight up to the shop to buy a bag of multi-coloured balloons which were then blown up and attached to her newest sign! Bringing a little cheer to an otherwise rather depressing situation.
Discussing the state of the roads in their area, Keith said: “There’s five or six major potholes but all the roads are bad!”
They now have a total of five signs out and have two more ready to be deployed… but Keith says “we could really have about 50!”
He says that while little Brooklyn has enjoyed being a part of the crafting process, she also understands the importance of what they’re doing.
Said Keith: “We were out driving past one the other day and she says, ‘Look daddy, the sign’s still there! It’s fun but she understand the safety aspect of it though too. She knows there could be an accident.”
During the process the pair ran out of mile markers but were supported by a contact at Dungannon Enterprise Centre by way of some corri board. Another resident with an artistic flair also hand-painted a few signs, unfortunately, the paint didn’t stick well to the corri sheeting and they had to make a return to the trusty electrical tape.
Both those from the area and those simply passing through have expressed their sincere thanks to Keith and Brooklyn.
Since posting of their endeavour on social media a number of people have taken to the comments section with words of encouragement.
Said one person: “Every school should have their P7 classes making these signs as part of graphic design. I’ll help you put them in appropriate places!”
Another added: “Fantastic Keith – and thank you to your 6 year old for keeping us right on the roads in and around Killyman – it’s been such a help to save our cars being wrecked.”
Others said the signs have “saved them on a number of occasions” and all are grateful for the hard work going on behind the scenes!
