DUP pledge to keep rates low

Having witnessed the £7.5m restoration of Wallace Park and Castle Gardens and seen £1m spent on Moira Demesne, the party is reaffirming its commitment to continued spend in play park facilities in the urban council areas.

A spokesperson for the Party said: “The DUP pledge to renew and restore play facilities in the urban council areas. The £2m upgrade of rural play parks in Maghaberry, Moira, Annahilt, Stoneyford, Ravarnette, Drumbo, Dromara, Glenavy, Culcavey and Hillsborough has greatly modernised and enhanced facilities in these areas.

In the Lisburn Leisureplex significant investment is being made to upgrade the gymnasium and changing facilities with £3.5m also being spent to create a new soft play area. The feedback received and evidence of higher volumes of visitors suggests this is money well spent across Lisburn.

“The DUP wants Lisburn to be a place that people want to live, work and enjoy top quality recreational facilities.

“With the imminent merging of Lisburn and Castlereagh Councils the DUP has pledged to deliver the best possible public services at the lowest possible cost to the ratepayers.

“Historically, both Lisburn and Castlereagh Councils have delivered quality services since the DUP has been in control, delivering a real terms cut with below inflationary level increases. Before the DUP became the largest party in Lisburn Council the Ulster Unionist Party put up rates with double digit increases far beyond inflation.

“The DUP promised to bring responsible fiscal management and the DUP delivered. The delivery of efficient public services yet maintaining low rates is an essential aspect of how the new form of local government should be expected to work and all DUP candidates have signed a low rates pledge and are committed to ensure ratepayers receive value for money services.”