Council cut ties with Edward Street Social Centre

The move comes following months of uncertainty surrounding the future and ownership of the building after it revealed that Council did not own the property despite running the facility for over 30 years.

After some research by council officers it was revealed that the site was owned by the Evergreen Club and held in trust by Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA).

During last night’s meeting, members were asked to consider two options; (1) either acquiring legal ownership of the asset and take responsibility for refurbishment, rebuild and operation or (2) not acquiring legal ownership and support the operation of the centre until November 30 2016 as previously agreed.

Ballymoney councillors Darryl Wilson and Ian Stevenson tried to convince members of the Leisure and Development committee to adopt the centre and that deciding to cut ties would have a detrimental impact on the local community.

However alderman Norman Hillis asked members to be ‘realistic and responsible with ratepayers money’ adding: “I propose option two but continue to work with the Evergreen Club in anyway we can to help them.”

Councillor Cara McShane seconded the proposal.