Bid to re-name Larne Leisure Centre is side-stepped

They did so in the wake of an update on the implementation of branding across the borough at Monday night’s November monthly meeting,

Among the recommendations contained in the report was the renaming of Larne Leisure Centre through a public engagement-type competition, However, this was withdrawn at the outset of the report’s delivery by Council’s Change Manager.

The meeting subsequently approved the remaining recommendations on the proposal of Cllr Gregg McKeen, seconded by Cllr Lindsay Millar. These included approval that - over a period of time the three leisure centres become fully branded in line with the corporate identity; that the three sub-brand identifies of the Braid, Carrickfergus Museum and The Gobbins are retained, and guidance is developed on suitable use alongside the corporate brand: that further work be carried out in relation to brands suitable to be ‘refreshed’; and,that a further review of the remaining brands would be carried out and recommendations presented to Council in the future.

At the same meeting it was agreed that the Euro 2016 qualifying Northern Ireland squad are to be given a civic reception.

A majority of 31 members supported a motion from Cllr Gregg McKeen, seconded by Cllr C Johnston, which read: “That this Council hosts a civic reception for the Northern Ireland football players and management in light of their outstanding qualification for the European Finals in France next year, giving special recognition to those from Mid and East Antrim Borough for their success.”

The four nationalist councillors did not participate in the voting process. A majority also backed a suggestion from Ald Tommy Nicholl that tribute be paid to former vice-principal of Buick Memorial PS in Cullybackey, Tommy Speers, who had coached NI squad member Steven Davis while he was a pupil at the school. Mayor Billy Ashe said Mr Speers sould be invited to attend the civic reception.