McKeown takes council seat

As reported exclusively in last week’s paper, Coast Road councillor Oliver McMullan tendered his resignation from the council to focus on his role as an East Antrim MLA.

And on Monday, chief electoral officer Graham Shields announced that Mr McMullan’s nominated replacement, Carnlough man James McKeown, had been returned to fill the vacancy on Larne Council.

Appearing at his first committee meeting later that evening, Cllr McKeown was welcomed to the chamber by DUP mayor, Cllr Bobby McKee.

At the start of the meeting, the veteran councillor said: “I think it would be appropriate for me as mayor to welcome our new friend. I look forward to working and co-operating with you in the future.”

Chairman of the Development Committee, Cllr Michael Lynch, also extended a greeting to the new member.

Cllr McKeown responded: “I very much appreciate the welcome and feel we can work well together.”