Antrim grower Ian Boal graced the front of the Irish News this month, and it wasn't exactly a happy story.
Grower Ian was reported to have difficulties with his bank on trying to finance some expansion to his mushroom unit and poultry business.
Ian discovered that his bank was reluctant to agree the valuation of his property due to the siting of an asbestos "facility" in proximity to his property. Web newspaper round-ups featured the story thus:
"The Irish News features a County Antrim man who says his home - which he values at about £270,000 - is now "unmarketable" after the Northern Ireland Office gave permission for a nearby asbestos storage facility.
Ian Boal says he found out when he applied for a loan against the house to develop his mushroom and poultry business and the valuer advised his bank not to advance the funds."
Stalker is not surprised that the bank involved has not acted with any kind of loyalty or support for their customer.
Myopia in the banking world is prevalent in every branch of every institution. And as for the siting of the asbestos storage facility, Stalker reckons we would all get a bit NIMBY about that!
