Author Archives: rbeggs

Ulster Unionists condemn Carrickfergus murder and call for security crackdown

The two Ulster Unionist MLAs for East Antrim, Roy Beggs and John Stewart, have condemned the murder of a man in Carrickfergus. Roy Beggs MLA said: “The murder of George Gilmore and the attempted murder which preceded it must be condemned without reservation. These vicious attacks are shocking reminders that there are still people in our society who are prepared to use extreme violence to exert control in parts of the community. “The events in and around Carrickfergus over the past few days have been horrendous. Action needs to be taken to bring a degree of security to the entire community. I support a strong security response by the PSNI to ensure guns are found and removed, so that no one else is caught up in the cross fire of a bloody feud which has gone on for far too long.” John Stewart MLA said: “The events of the last … Continue reading

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This community deserves the rule of law, not law of the jungle – Beggs

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs said, “Following the life threatening attack at the Royal Oak Bar and then the murder in the Woodburn area it is clear that additional specialist police resources are required to address organised crime in Carrickfergus. The SEA UDA factions are further disadvantaging several disadvantaged communities. Community activity to improve the Castlemara area for example has come to an end yet help is needed. The feuding has left individuals and families in fear and needs in the community not being addressed. Drugs are ruining lives whilst some grow rich and enjoy the power they can excise through their paramilitary structure and their organised crime. I again am calling for additional undercover surveillance and specialist Police financial expertise to follow the money that is being generated by drug dealing and other illegal activity. Where is the additional policing support to address Para-militarism promised by … Continue reading

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Access to Banking Services vital – Beggs

Roy Beggs MLA has expressed his disappointment at the announcement by the Ulster Bank that they will be closing their local Monkstown Branch. Roy Beggs MLA said, “I am aware of the concern of customers and of small businesses in particular at the announcement of the closure of the Monkstown branch of the Ulster Bank. Local banks are vital to local businesses in terms providing coinage and in enabling the cash sales to be lodged. This closure announcement will limit the local options available and is likely to result in additional inconvenience to customers and costs to small business when regularly banking. Whilst online banking and cashless transaction are increasing, local access to banking services remain vital. This closure announcement is making the local Monkstown post office even more important to the local community and it is vital that government ensures that local communities retain access to such banking services.”

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Beggs condemns Royal Oak assault

Roy Beggs MLA has welcomed the PSNI’s swift action to arrest and press charges related to the serious assault in the Royal Oak, Carrickfergus on Saturday night. Roy Beggs said “I was horrified to learn of the vicious attack on the Royal Oak barman which has left him with serious head injuries. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and I hope that he will have a full and speedy recovery. The UUP MLA, who has spoken to the Police about this serious assault, said, “I welcome the swift action by the PSNI in making arrests and gathering sufficient evidence to place charges on those thought to be responsible for this attempted murder. I would urge for witnesses to this vicious crime to assist the criminal justice system and hold those responsible to account.” Ends

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Beggs calls for Council to prevent Land Banking of local Industrial development sites

Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate has called on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to urgently review Land zoned for Industrial Development in the East Antrim area following his discovery that a significant proportion of the remaining land zoned for industrial use was being controlled by inter-related companies. Roy Beggs said, “It has come to my attention that much of the limited land zoned for industrial use in Carrickfergus area is under the control of companies with clear relationships. I believed that this is unhealthy and may be restricting the development of the local economy.  I am contacting Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to make them aware of the close relationships that exist.  “I believe that monopolies are unhealthy for business and I am calling on Council to zone additional land for industrial development and to consider de-zoning other land which would appear to have been used as … Continue reading

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