Air Show axed as rates are struck at 4.98%

After four previous workshops councillors were expected to simply rubber stamp the rates increase at 4.98% - with the loss of the annual Portrush Air Show and lifeguards on the beaches the two main services being cut. It's understood that the opening of the new Garvagh Sports Hall is also being shelved until the turn of the year.

However, at the start of the meeting Alderman Maura Hickey of the SDLP went on record to register her disapproval at the decision to remove the lifeguards.

In a prepared statement and with the support of her party colleagues, Ald Hickey told Council she took no responsibility for the decision and added: "We may not have a statuatory obligation to provide lifeguards, but we do have a moral obligation to keep our beaches safe."

She proposed that the lifeguards be kept whether it would result in an increase in the rates or not.

The rest of the councillors reacted in disbelief at Ald Hickey's statement with many asking why it was only being brought to light now.

"We've had three meetings prior to this one and I have to say I'm taken aback by Ald Hickey's motion. This really should have been discussed long before tonight," said Cllr Timothy Deans.

Cllr Norman Hillis, in proposing that Council agree to the 4.98% increase, said: "We all want quality service at minimum cost, but people's livelihoods are at stake here we have to keep rates at a sensible level."

Council Chief Executive, Roger Wilson, told councillors that although there was no legal obligation to provide lifeguards the core service could not be withdrawn for purely financial reasons.

Councillors asked for an adjournment in proceedings so as they could discuss the matter among their party colleagues.

When they returned to the chamber after almost an hour councillors voted - by 16 to three - in favour of Cllr Hillis's amendment that the rate increase should be struck at 4.98% but that the lifeguard service be retained at the expense of some other cost saving.

In a statement issued by Council on Friday, Roger Wilson said: "To keep the rate increase to an absolute minimum, some difficult decisions have had to be made."