CLOSURE FIGHT

Since the news was revealed of the possible closure of the Northern Regional College's Ballymoney Campus, the Times has been inundated with complaints and expressions of concern from politicians, councillors, business people and the general public.

Last week the Ballymoney and Moyle Times exclusively revealed online NRC's Business Improvement Plan for 2010-2016 which was released for consultation.

Phase 3 of its plan from period 2014 to 2016, if agreed, states that 'the current buildings in Coleraine and Ballymoney are to be replaced by one new building in the Coleraine area.'

Having just had sight of the consultation document Mayor Frank Campbell hit out: "When the idea of closing Ballymoney and Coleraine Campuses in favour of a new Greenfield option in Coleraine was first mooted in 2004 my Council was unanimous in their opposition to this move and resolved to oppose it.

"At that time we had the support of many sectors in Ballymoney and our neighbouring Council in Moyle also lend their support to our case. We were very disappointed at that time that of the several options considered new build option in Ballymoney was not one of them. I will be seeking to ensure that the new proposals are rigorously examined and that Ballymoney is not disadvantaged."

Chair of Development Committee, Cllr John Finlay on hearing of the proposals said: "I am seriously concerned at the impact such a decision would have on the town and the local economy in general. I note from the report that redundancies are inevitable and while I accept that the college hope to manage the staff reduction through lavers and redeployment, further job losses in our borough is not good news.

"My Committee meets on Monday (yesterday) and will commence its work on preparation of Council's response to the proposals. We will want to take on board, also, views of local schools, particularly those who currently have close working arrangements to the Ballymoney Campus.

"I will also want to take the opportunity to seek the views of groups representing the retail, commercial and business sectors as well as the community and voluntary sectors and my committee will give consideration as to how this can best be done."

Urging local politicians to 'do something', Chamber of Commerce Chairperson, Winifred Mellett stated: "I am stunned at this proposal will could see the loss of this important educational base and further job losses in our town, following on as it does on the substantial loss of jobs we have suffered in recent years with closure of many manufacturing plants in the town. I would urge local politicians to do something by way of pressing the case for jobs and investment as a matter of priority."

Town Centre Group Chairperson Elizabeth Johnston continued: "This is another devastating blow to the town and the potential loss of jobs located here has a knock-on effect on the economic well-being of the town. The Town Centre Group, in association with the Chamber of Commerce and the town's Regeneration Company pledges to lend full support to the efforts of the Council and local politicians in formulating a Ballymoney response to these proposals in the education sector and also to secure jobs and investment to strengthen the economic well-being of the town."

Local businessman and Alderman James Simpson also slammed the news as a 'backward step' stating: 'This is devastating for Ballymoney and especially the local business community who rely on the custom generated by the college's students and staff.'

He added: "The proposals are very much a backward step. The question has to be asked 'what really is the purpose of further institution colleges if not to provide life-long learning opportunities for the local communities?'

"As regards the Ballymoney campus, the closure would mean students having to travel outside Ballymoney and there would be a loss to local shops that are frequented by both students and staff.

"Once again this is just more evidence of the further haemorrhaging further of facilities and amenities from Ballymoney town."

Concluding Alderman Simpson promised: "I will be studying the NRC proposals in great detail and will be working on considering an alternative, in due course, to the proposals."