Council snubs Christmas dinner plea

Margaret Peacock and her team of volunteers have been providing a

Christmas Day lunch for pensioners in the borough for the past 21 years.

The project is usually funded by the volunteers themselves and donations

from local businesses.

However, given the recession and the fact that its the 21st anniversary

of the project, the volunteers decided to contact Council to ask for some funding.

However the volunteers were turned down by Council and now fear that the

project will be scrapped, with the prospect that some pensioners will

have to spend Christmas Day alone.

Volunteer, Debbie Davidson, described the situation as "very sad".

"This project was initially set up by Margaret Peacock, through the

Millburn Welfare Rights Group 21 years ago," Debbie explained.

"Down through the years senior citizens from across the borough of

Coleraine and Ballymoney have come along to celebrate Christmas and our numbers have increased year on year.

"There are so many people that spend Christmas on their own. It is

very sad to think of what their day may be like if our service wasn't there. I just think it is very sad that Coleraine Borough Council can't help us fund this project.

"These pensioners have contributed to Coleraine Borough Council down

throrugh the years, they are all ratepayers, it's a disgrace that Council can't give something back to these people."

Debbie added: "We have been a lifeline to so many down through the

years, and I know that there will be many sad faces if we have to ring and tell them that it won't be taking place

this year."

DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan raised the issue of funding for the group at a

Community Development Committee.

He said: "I think it is very sad that Council cannot help these people who provide a great service for the elderly people of our borough.

"It is very sad to think that people may be forced to sit alone on Christmas Day.

"To put this into context, perhaps we should be thinking less about planting trees and more about supporting community projects like this."

In a statement, Coleraine Borough Council said: "Unfortunately, Coleraine Borough Council is not currently in a position to award financial donations upon request.

"We also recognise that there are many worthy causes and

groups who dedicate their time and effort to helping those less vulnerable within our borough, and in the interests of fairness we are unable to single out particular groups for support for their Christmas events.

"Council is always glad to assist by signposting groups towards other potential funding bodies."

If you can help Margaret and her team of volunteers fund this year's event, contact Nichola at the Times on 703 55260