Poots praises council transition committee

The authorities in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena are to merge in May, 2011 and representatives from all three are involved in a transition committee tasked with seeing that the process runs smoothly for ratepayers and staff.

Mr Poots, the Environment Minister, is visiting the transition bodies in each of the 11 new council areas. He explained: “The local government reform programme is now moving into the critical implementation phase so I felt that it was important to personally meet each of the transition committees.

“The Mid and East Antrim transition committee will be central to delivering this transition to a new council. I do not for one minute underestimate the workload involved in amalgamating these three councils, but I am confident that in continuing to work together, we can and will successfully change the face of local government for the better.

“I am pleased from my visit today to see the progress already made by the committee in this ambitious programme and I encourage it to ensure that the momentum it has built up is maintained.”

Committee chairman, Carrickfergus DUP alderman Billy Ashe, said: “Our three merging councils are working well together, having already agreed a vision for the future and established inter-council working groups where officers are working vigorously to merge policies and procedures.”

Mr Poots told the committee he remained committed to “doing everything possible to deliver on the local government reform timetable”. Referring to doubts about the ability of the Assembly to introduce necessary legislation, he added: “I appreciate there are concerns at the moment, but my position remains that it is right to deliver improved public services as close to the people as possible, with councils fulfilling the leading role at the heart of the local community.”