Key shareholders in the BCDR were the Andrews family, who owned a mill in Comber. Thomas Andrews is the most famous scion (of Titanic fame) but the family made a huge impact in the political and industrial life of Co Down and the North in general. In the mid 50s, JM Andrews, a former PM of NI and BCDR director, was still, as a Stormont MP, advocating that the Govt reopen the Ex BCDR main line before it was lifted, pointing out its advantages over road expansion.