Roads Service to consider moving depot

A spokesperson said: "Roads Service is considering the closure of Ballycastle depot with the employees moving to the Ballymoney depot. Consultation has been undertaken and is on-going with staff in the depot and their Union representatives. An Equality Impact Assessment screening exercise has also been undertaken and will shortly be published for consultation.

“Should the closure proceed, Roads Service would continue to provide roads maintenance in the Ballycastle area from it's Ballymoney depot in accordance with its established guidelines and standards. Winter gritting has been provided from the Ballymoney depot in accordance with those standards throughout this winter season."

The matter was first raised at a meeting of Moyle Council by Sinn Fein councillor Oliver McMullan, who said the Council should complain about the closure plans.

Because of the recent cold weather he said it was imperative that gritting services are retained in Ballycastle and said if they are relocated to Ballymoney it will take longer for services to get out to rural areas in Moyle.

He said the Council should call on Roads Service to keep the depot in Ballycastle and he added: “If that is moved to Ballymoney it is going to leave our roads in a worse situation than ever.”

Sinn Fein councillor Cathal Newcombe said the Roads Service did good work during the recent big freeze and he said the depot is needed in Ballycastle although he thought it should be in a different part of the town.