Carrickfergus bonfire group commended for emergency response

Councillor Cheryl Johnston focused on the Castlemara response during the cornavirus emergency in support of a Mid and East Antrim Council reminder over public health messaging.

The DUP representative said: “I would like to highlight the contribution the Castlemara bonfire builders have made by donating £350 to the Peace Impact Project which provided necessary meals to vulnerable and isolated people within Carrickfergus.

“This demonstrates how these groups have been essential in addressing community need during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Her party colleague, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston, has commended people for not leaving waste at bonfire sites.

He said: “Everyone has been doing their part to follow the guidelines so far and I would urge them to continue to do so.

“I am therefore asking people to continue disposing of any waste correctly as is laid out on the council’s website and social channels.”

All recycling centres across the borough have now reopened to the public with restrictions in place and waste can be safely left there.

The burning of materials at bonfire sites, the local authority stated, could cause a smoke problem for residents, as well as posing a significant fire risk.

Council and its statutory partners continue to work closely with community groups across the borough and has commended their willingness to engage and support efforts to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to and unwanted items disposed of responsibly.

Welcoming last month’s original appeal by council, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “When NIFRS responds to materials on fire at bonfire sites, crews are unnecessarily tied up when they may be needed elsewhere, such as a house fire or road traffic collision.

“Attending deliberate fires such as these during the Covid-19 situation further increases the danger to the public as crews may take longer to respond if they have to attend from other locations.”

For general enquiries about recycling centres, log onto Council Direct (Request for Service) or contact Waste Helpdesk on 0300 124 5000 (option 0).

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