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Monthly Archives: January 2016
Frustration in Carrick at B90 flooding solution delay
The Rivers Agency is being urged to help put an end to recurring flooding on one of Carrick’s busiest commuter routes. Residents’ frustration has been compounded by what they see as lack of action over the Marshallstown Road problem despite its source having been located. It has led elected representatives to raise the issue again with the relevant authorities. East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs recently pressed Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen for her assessment of “repeated flooding” on the B90. Responding, the minister said: “Across the road network, localised road flooding can occur during intense or prolonged rainfall and I am aware of localised flooding issues along the Marshallstown Road. The existing drainage system is maintained by my TransportNI officials; however this may be compromised when leaves cover gratings. This risk is reduced through regular sweeping by Mid and East Antrim Council. “My officials are aware of an ongoing flooding … Continue reading
Unionist Roy Beggs introduces new scrap metal Bill that could increase traceability
Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs (C) Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs Due to the significant levels of metal theft, Ulster Unionist politician Roy Beggs, introduced his Scrap Metal Dealers Bill in the Assembly this week. Since metal theft has resulted in huge costs to local residents and businesses, the Bill is designed to increase the traceability of stolen metal received by scrap metal dealers. The theft of metal from Greenisland Primary School and Downshire School cost the previous North-Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) more than £45,000 in nine months. According to the East Antrim MLA, other thefts have put the public at risk. “A major electricity sub-station at Ballyvallagh has been targeted twice, which could have resulted in wide spread blackouts in the Larne area. “The theft of telecoms cable has prevented communication with emergency services and disruption to businesses and the theft of manhole covers has endangered drivers, … Continue reading
Larne chippy to reopen after armed robberies
A Larne chip shop which last week faced two armed robberies in two days will reopen tonight (Wednesday January 20) thanks to the support of local community. The Hillstop chip shop on the Upper Cairncastle Road was forced to close after being targeted on both Wednesday January 13 and Thursday January 14. The business is set to reopen with enhanced security measures. During the first incident, which took place at approximately 1.30pm, a man armed with a suspected firearm entered the shop and made off with a sum of cash. The two staff members were left shaken, but were not injured. The second incident occurred at around 4.15pm on Thursday, when three members of staff, one of whom was seven months’ pregnant, were on duty. During this incident, two staff members stepped in front of their pregnant co-worker, shielding her from harm. Hillstop Chip Shop worker Ann Liddle told the … Continue reading
Beggs Opposes Proposed Reduction in Full Time Fire Fighters
East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA has spoken of his concern at the proposed reduction of full time fire fighters and budget reduction in Northern Ireland which would adversely affect response times in the Carrickfergus area. Mr Roy Beggs MLA said; “At present, Carrickfergus fire station is manned 7 days a week by whole-time firefighters, 0730 – 1930 and with retained firefighters providing additional cover 24/7. The new proposal is to have whole-time firefighters from 0800 to 1800, Monday to Friday. Weekend cover is to be provided entirely by retained firefighters.” “This proposal will lengthen response times to fires and road traffic accidents. In addition, with the increased difficulty in attracting retained firefighters who will be available 24/7, there can often be an inability to safely man a fire appliance.” The budget process to date has not ring-fenced the fire and rescue service and indeed a 5% … Continue reading
Beggs calls for public to assist the PSNI in identifying those responsible for Greenisland murder
Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs, has expressed his shock at the news that the man found dead in Greenisland this morning had suffered injuries which have prompted the Police to launch a murder enquiry. Mr Beggs said: “I share the shock felt by the entire Greenisland community at the news of this horrendous and vicious crime. Whoever was responsible for this must be caught. “The dead man has been named as Mr Eddie Girvan and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. “A small piece of information could be the critical evidence needed by the PSNI to successfully prosecute those responsible for this murder. I would urge the public to assist the PSNI with any information that they might have regarding suspicious activity on the Station Road, Greenisland.”
