Monthly Archives: April 2014

Beggs Expresses Concern at Anti-Social Behaviour at Northgate

Ulster Unionist East Antrim representative Roy Beggs MLA has expressed his concern at anti-social behaviour that is taking place on the historic Northgate at Carrickfergus. Roy Beggs MLA said “I have been advised that the wall at the Northgate is being climbed upon, defaced and damaged. These actions afford little respect to the historic Town Centre Wall and I would urge those responsible to desist immediately. Those who have climbed the Northgate Wall are also exposing themselves to a real risk of serious injury. The area simply isn’t meant to be used in this way!” The Ulster Unionist MLA added “I have contacted Carrickfergus Borough Council on this issue and I am aware that the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency is also being consulted with regard to a resolution to this problem. In the meantime, I would urge anyone who spots anti-social behaviour in the area to contact the local neighbourhood … Continue reading

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More questions than answers following residential care homes announcement – Beggs

Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson Roy Beggs has said while the decision on care homes will come as welcome news to the residents, until the non-admissions policy is lifted closure of the homes remains inevitable. The East Antrim MLA said; “From the outset, setting politics aside, I would commend the Minister for carrying out a U-turn and listening to the residents of all of these homes. This announcement will come as great relief to the staff and residents. In addition the work of all the local support groups that have campaigned so hard over recent times to stand up for these homes should be acknowledged. “The situation should never have developed however in the first place however. The manner in which the original announcements of closure were made last year was disgraceful. The fact a number of the  Health and Social Care Trusts made very similar statements within a short … Continue reading

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Previous Hansard transcript of Roy Beggs MLA speaking in the NI Assembly on same-sex marriage legislation

“Mr Beggs: I declare an interest as a committee member of Raloo Presbyterian Church. I do so because I believe that same-sex marriage legislation could have implications for many Churches throughout Northern Ireland. Marriage is a recognised institution where a religious or civic commitment is voluntarily given between a man and a woman to share their lives and property. A stable household and positive male and female role models are recognised as important in a child’s development. I and many others have very strong views on this matter. The Ulster Unionist Party has recognised this issue as one of conscience, so all members are entitled to vote according to their conscience. The Civil Partnership Act 2004 legalised same-sex or civil partnerships in Northern Ireland. However, recently, the Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, stated: “Same-sex couples now receive access to equivalent legal rights”. She then added: “bar the … Continue reading

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Beggs calls for calm and respect for rule of law

Following car high jacking and fires on the street in the Woodburn area of Carrickfergus, Roy Beggs MLA has called for calm, respect for the rule of law and an end to destruction in an already deprived area. Roy Beggs MLA said, “Setting bonfires on the street and destroying vehicles is damaging to all who live in the Woodburn area.  Its serves no purpose.  I would call for an end to this illegal activity which is inconveniencing residents and detracting from the neighbourhood.  Having visited the area, I would urge statutory agencies to assist in clearing all debris from the roadway as soon as possible so that normality can return. The Police have a duty to investigate the mob violence that occurred recently in Larne and to follow any incriminating leads regarding this or other criminality.  I would encourage the public to assist the Police with their investigations by providing … Continue reading

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Beggs urges customer focus over bin collections

Roy Beggs MLA who had served as a Councillor for 10 years has expressed disappointment at the number of complaints he has received over Carrickfergus Borough Council’s failure to provide a reliable bin collection service. Roy Beggs MLA said, “I have received  a number of complaints from the Greenisland and Carrickfergus areas were there has been a failure to complete the waste collection service on the nominated day.  This is inconveniencing residents and results in bins remaining on the street for an unduly long period with the associated additional risks to pedestrians and the environment.  Subsequent unplanned collections must also be adding cost to ratepayers.  I would urge Council staff to refocus on the needs of local residents and to ensure that the essential waste collection service is provided in a professional punctual manner in the future”.

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