‘Open door policy’

SIR, I would just like to say how proud and grateful I am to be elected as an Ulster Unionist councillor for the Knockagh Ward of Carrickfergus. I am especially grateful to all those people who voted and as I said in my campaign literature and on the doorsteps I intend to offer the best local representation possible and an open door policy to any issue.

Carrickfergus is currently at a very important stage and over the coming years big changes are set to affect how the council is constructed and how business will operate. Within a few years we are likely to see elections to a super-council merging Carrickfergus, Larne and Ballymena which will without doubt lead to all council business being conducted in Ballymena. Equally, in these times of austerity it is our ultimate responsibility to ensure that ratepayers’ money is spent with the level of effectiveness and efficiency they deserve and that all measures will be taken of prevent rate increases in the near future.

With these issues in mind I would press upon all councillors and staff to work tirelessly together over the coming term to ensure that the people of this great borough not only get the best possible services and representation but also the best deal when any new council set-up comes into being.

John Stewart

UUP councillor for Knockagh