Funding refused for Newtownabbey community group

A spokesperson from Glas-na-Bradan Conservation Association said: “We are highly disappointed that we were turned down to receive funding to allow us to apply for insurance. This insurance would have put us well on the way to achieving our goals of establishing community pride in their local area with regular community input. It simply means that we are unable to accept the help of volunteers in the community, otherwise we could put ourselves at serious financial risk, if anyone were to receive an injury. Rivers are already a dangerous environment, given water depths and high banks but that does not take into account potential water contaminants or rubbish that may have entered a system. As a result, we are literally forced to work with volunteers who we know and trust and at that, there is still a risk.”