Paddington proves popular in Westport

The Paddington Bear visitor spot at The Fairgreen in Westport is the most popular location in the county at the moment, according to local councillor Peter Flynn.

“It is a million miles ahead of the Paddington attraction in Liverpool which doesn’t even have the same level of activity as we have here, with so many visiting to have their picture taken with Paddington at the Fairgreen," Cllr Flynn told a meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District.

Cathaoirleach of the district, Cllr Sean Carey, said the Westport Paddington was certainly attracting a lot of publicity, amid reports that people are taking the train to Westport specifically to have their picture taken with the novelty bear, before returning on their journeys the same day.

Director of Services Joanne Grehan said such publicity could never be paid for and it was fantastic for Westport.

At its budget meeting on Wednesday last, Cllr Flynn asked that the council consider a special event around Paddington in Westport over the Christmas, with the Director of Services saying she would look into it to see what can be organised.