Council reject funding request for two major events

The show, one of the most prestigious events in the Borough, will see a large display of flowers, fruit, vegetables, home industries and handcrafts, and the fact that the council have rejected a plea for financial aid has been met with surprise by many.

Quite simply, the council have told the Association that there is no budget out of which funding can be granted and on the proposal of Alderman Harry Connolly seconded by Councillor Malachy McCamphill, a letter will be sent to the Association informing them of this.

The same situtation is also applying to Ballymoney Ornithological Association who requested financial assistance towards the cost of running their 74th open show on Saturday, November 13.

The secretary wrote to the council advising members that the show attracts a large number of visitors and exhibitors from across Northern Ireland as well as Donegal and that many of the judges come from England and Scotland.

Again, the council was advised that the application did not meet the criteria of the two grant schemes available for 2010/2011.

The Association was previously funded under the Community Support Grant Scheme which is not available this year.

On this occasion, it was proposed by Councillor McCamphill seconded by Councillor James Simpson that the request for financial assistance be noted and that no budget is available.

Only Councillor John Finlay disagreed with the decision and wished it to be recorded that he felt the OrnithologicalAssociation and the Horticultural Association should each get 100.

News of the refusals has reached some members of the community who telephoned to voice their anger at the council’s failure to find money from somewhere.

One person commented: “They can find money for junkets, but they can’t find money to support something that’s going to do good for the town. We’ll certainly let them know when it comes to the elections next year.”

Five organisations did receive grants - Stranocum Ulster Scots Cultural and Heritage Society, Stranocum Community Association, Dunaghy Flute band, Carnany Community Association and Bendooragh Apprentice Boys each received 350 for various activities this year form the council’s Good Relations Grant.