Council U-turn as brake put to Mayo's purple bike removal saga after outcry

The decision of Mayo County Council to order the removal of a purple bicycle from outside a business premises in Westport town centre has been reversed following a outcry on social media.

Harvest Breeze, a shop which specialises in beauty, cosmetic and personal care produced, revealed on its Facebook page that it had been received a letter from the council asking it to remove the bike from the footpath outside its premises at Bridge Street.

The letter said it appreciated the need to advertise - "however these type of objects on the street constitute obstacles to members of the public, in particular disabled persons, wheelchair users, visually impaired persons and persons with buggies and prams."

It also stated the placing of these objects on the footpath "generates unwanted clutter and are dangerous, hazardous, unsightly and not permitted."

The notice continued: "Along with the dangers highlighted, Westport is a town that prides itself on its appearance and a street strewn with signage boards is not appealing.

"It has been negatively commented on in Tidy Towns adjudication reports in the past.

"All items remaining on the street on Friday, July 29, will be removed by Mayo County Council and will incur a fine of €150."

Reacting to the notice, Harvest Breeze announced on Facebook page: "Today we say goodbye to the purple bike as the council has requested its removal."

The business apologised to the people to which it inadvertently caused hazard and danger.

"Let's do everything to keep the town safe and happy for everyone," it added.

Such was the support for reinstating the bike by the large numbers of people who commented on the post, the decision was reversed by the council.

In a subsequent Facebook post, the shop revealed: "Mayo County Council is after reviewing my case and our purple bike can go back on display, kept chained and flat against the shop front.

"I am very grateful to each and every one of you: thank you.

"I truly believe that your voices of support, your points of view, and your suggestions have created a ripple effect, a very effective one.

"I was amazed at discovering how many are fond of the bike, as much as I am. Thank you to Councillor Christy Hyland and Noelle Angley for their intervention. Let’s all enjoy the long weekend and spread happy vibes."

All is well that ends well.