DUP and SF are split on re-opening of facilities

The DUP and Sinn Fein are at loggerheads over Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s decision to re-open recycling centres and parks.
The Larne recycling centre at Redlands. Picture: Google.The Larne recycling centre at Redlands. Picture: Google.
The Larne recycling centre at Redlands. Picture: Google.

The local authority council has already opened a number of town parks — in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena - and its recycling centres in Larne and Carrickfergus are due to open on Monday morning. The Ballymena depot opened on Friday.

This comes in spite of the coronavirus lockdown having been extended for another three weeks. The council’s move has been welcomed by the DUP MP Sammy Wilson, but the leader of the Sinn Fein grouping on the council James McKeown believes it is “too soon”.

Mr Wilson said: “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have shown real leadership in their decision to reopen this vital service to the general public. This is something I have been lobbying for since the lockdown measures were introduced, not least because of the increase in illegal fly-tipping which has been the inevitable consequence of their closure.”

He added: “I commend Mid and East Antrim for making a sensible decision which shows how local government can respond positively and effectively to changing circumstances.”

Sinn Fein councillor Mr McKeown said: “I was at the meeting of party group leaders and I expressed concern.

“The lockdown is in place for a reason — to save lives and to protect the health service.

“I believe it is too soon.”

A spokesperson for the council, speaking about the decision to reopen parks, said: “Residents are reminded of their responsibility to ensure they use the facilities in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

“Council staff will closely monitor the situation to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Anybody breaching public health guidelines will be asked to leave the parks, and if required, council will notify our colleagues in the PSNI of any issues.”

On the reopening of recycling centres, the council said: “The decision to reopen was debated at length, but it was felt that it was reasonable, appropriate and would reduce community frustration, as well as provide a much-needed and essential service for our residents.

“Council thanks our citizens for all their patience and for the upturn in recycling in recent weeks as they have made a determined effort to ensure their waste is segregated and recycled.”

The PSNI, meanwhile, offered no comment “at this time” when asked by the News Letter if travel to and from recycling centres would be permitted.