Council talks on zombie sword surrender bins has caused public transparency concerns

Machetes, knuckle dusters and samurai swords could also soon be disposed of at council owned HRCs in the wake of recent sectarian outbursts at a Dunmurry dump.

Weapon bin details for Lisburn and Castlereagh have been kept away from view as the council discussed the Department of Justice plan behind closed doors.

Councillor Gary Hynds said: "Just before going into confidential session, I would like to raise a point of clarity about the offensive weapons community surrender bins.

“That matter is going into confidential committee, why is that?

“Because I don’t see anything at all that brings that exemption in, because it’s a consultation that has already been launched as far as I can see.

“I don’t see any reason for it going into confidential.”

A council officer responded: "Just to clarify the consultation hasn’t been launched yet and it’s a request by the Department of Justice that the information is embargoed until they begin their campaign to promote the scheme more widely.”

A spokesperson for the DoJ said: “The Department of Justice is working with stakeholders to develop a surrender and compensation scheme.

“While details are being finalised, it is hoped it will be launched later this year.”

In June the DoJ wrote to all councils in Northern Ireland asking for permission to allow community surrender bins to be hosted on council property for people who wish to safely dispose of an offensive weapon, many of which will now become illegal to own under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019.