Seizure takes drugs 'out of the loop' - McKinty

Larne Cllr. Mark McKinty has welcomed the seizure of £40,000 of drugs in Larne as "an important step in the fight against local crime".  "The work of the police and the local community has led to a significant seizure, which takes drugs out of the loop" he said. "Drugs are damaging our community, especially our young people.who are most vulnerable and at risk of becoming addicted."

During the raid on Tuesday evening, they found 78 cannabis plants, which the police have described as a "significant seizure".

Larne Inspector Noel Rogan said "irresponsible" landlords could face prosecution if they allow cannabis factories in their properties.

"Neighbours are asked to report strange activities such as windows boarded up, curtains closed all the time, a lot of comings and goings to the property and any other peculiar signs as cannabis in particular gives off quite a pungent aroma"

"This is a significant seizure of illegal substances taken from the streets of Larne, and is an excellent example of the local community working in tandem with police.

"Officers will continue to provide a safe environment to live and work, and we thank the co-operation of the people of Larne for their support," he added.

The Ulster Unionist Deputy Mayor, speaking after the find, praised the work of local police and.community members. "This is the perfect example of how the police and local community are working together to make Larne a better, safer place to live and do business. I would encourage anyone with further information to speak to the police about the matter. Together we can win the battle."

Cllr McKinty: Look after Larne

Cllr Mark McKinty, Deputy Mayor or Larne, is urging all residents to "look after Larne" this summer. "We have a beautiful Borough with much to offer visitors, so it is imperative that we all take pride in it and ensure Larne is well-presented and clean of litter" he said.

Speaking following the launch of the Translink 2012 Ulster in Bloom competition, the Ulster Unionist representative said, "This is a great opportunity for Council's Parks Department to work together with local businesses and community groups to spruce up the Borough. We must congratulate Parks staff and community volunteers for the work that they already do in presenting our Town so well."

In the 2011 competition, judges described Larne as "a well-kept town with a great sense of public pride", awarding it the Most Improved award, with Larne Methodist Church also receiving a Special Award for outstanding presentation.

Cllr McKinty highliged the potential to build on last year's progress: "This year is especially important for Larne with the Jubilee roundabout and other works having been completed and now forming part of the competition entry. I would encourage everyone to do their part in their own garden, business and community area to improve the appearance of our Borough for judges and tourists alike. The wider public also must remember to dispose of their litter carefully as judges pay close attention to detail, and every point counts in the final."

"Tourism is very important for our Borough, and presenting Larne as a tidy, enjoyable place to visit will encourage visitors to stay longer and return often. Right across Larne, from Millbrook to Glenarm, I wish all entries well, and am very hopeful we will have a successful summer showcasing our beautiful Borough", he concluded.

ENDS


Left: Cllr. McKinty at a recent tree planting event in Jubilee Park, Glynn.

Top: Geraldine McGahey, Chief Executive, Larne Borough Council, Cllr Mark McKinty, Deputy Mayor, Larne Borough Council, Cllr Freda Donnelly, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Frank Moore, Route Manager, Translink NI Railways, Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, Translink, Jim King, Larne Borough Council and Alistair McKeown, board member, Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

McKinty: "Craigyhill flats saga must end"

Larne Deputy Mayor Mark McKinty has again called for the demolition of derelict blocks of flats in Craigyhill "as a matter of urgency".

Following a number of arson incidents in the past week, the Ulster Unionist Councillor voiced his concerns: "Yet again the derelict flats in Craigyhill have been the target of more vandalism and arson over the past week. This has been a regular occurrence now for a number of years - the Craigyhill flats saga must end before someone is seriously injured."

North-East area manager for the NI Housing Executive Frank O’Connor confirmed to Larne Council on 3 May 2012 that the flats would be demolished “at the earliest opportunity”, stating that some electrical and gas works onsite were needed before progress could be made.

However, Cllr. McKinty has been in touch with NIHE to pursue the case with representatives. "We are now in July and the problem is ongoing. NIHE need to make this project a top priority not only to ensure the safety of residents, but also to remove the eyesore and hindrance of these flats for the locals who have suffered enough," he said. "What happens with the land after demolition is a matter still to be discussed, but the imminent priority for now is the removal of risk and danger from our community as a matter of urgency".

Local Band in 12th July BBC Feature

Magheramorne Silver Band is set to take to the small screen this week as part of the BBC's 12th July coverage for 2012.

The local band will feature on BBC 1, which will this year cover the Belfast and Carrickfergus parades live on air.

Band member Davy Hall during setup for BBC recording.

The programme will also show a pre-recorded piece focusing on the Band. It will include footage from a band practice, interviews, and a look into the band's history, which will have reached 130 years this September.

BBC presenter Ralph McLean travelled to Magheramorne at the end of May to call in on one of the band's practices, and also to interview the band's Chairman, Ian McGarel. "This year MSB are celebrating 130 years since our formation, so we were delighted to have the BBC with us to film the band at one of our rehearsals which is to be included in their 12^th day coverage," he said. "The band really enjoyed the evening and we are looking forward to seeing the finished programme and parading with Magheramorne LOL 291 through Magheramorne and in Carrickfergus on the Twelfth day."

BBC Presenter Ralph McLean visited Magheramorne Silver Band.

Band PR Officer Mark McKinty also welcomed the chance to showcase the band: "Magheramorne Silver has a long and proud history of making music, and this is a great chance to showcase our work to a wider audience."

"The Twelfth" will be aired on BBC 1 on Thursday 12th July 2012 from 11am.  New members of all levels interested in joining the band, which offers the free loan of an instrument and free tuition, should contact 07771 925546 for more information.

All aboard the gravy train!

Ulster Unionist Larne Councillor Mark McKinty has criticised Translink CEO Catherine Mason after it emerged her annual salary is being increased to a total of £198,000 per year when new pension provisions are accounted for.

Speaking at a residents meeting in Larne last Friday, Cllr McKinty said, "Given the underlying pressures on Translink with rising fuel costs and day to day operations, it would make more sense to keep pay for senior management and executives under tight control, something the Assembly Executive seems to have no interest in doing.  Furthermore, despite targets of 20% being put in place in last decade to move people from private transport to public transport, Translink have failed misserably in this area, with only a 7% change over".

This pay hike comes in a week when Northern Ireland has been identified as having the most expensive fuel costs in the UK. Cllr McKinty continued "There is an appetite for cost effective, punctual and reliable public transport in Northern Ireland. Not a week goes past that constituents don't raise fuel costs with me and say they wish public transport was more accessible and indeed flexible. The Translink CEO accepting such a high salary, surrounded by the threat of Translink service cuts and a number of redundancies recently announced, undermines confidence in public opinion towards Translink. The Executive should be doing more to promote the economic, social and environmental benefits of public transport and our new trains, which are still arriving fortnightly (above)".

Following these revelations, it has emerged that significant rises in rail and bus fares could be on the cards because Translink is expected to head towards a multi-million pound loss in the coming years.

The Department for Regional Development (DRD) had expected the publicly-owned company to prepare a plan which would allow it to break even financially across the group which includes NI Railways, Metro and Ulsterbus. However, figures show that it will actually slip into the red after this year.

The report anticipates Translink will make a profit of £2m this year (2012-2013) but will then start to make significant losses with a deficit of £11.6m expected in 2013-2014, and £10.5m the following year (2014-15).

Commenting on the recent news, Cllr McKinty said: "It is absolutely ludicrous that the public are being asked to pay more to keep Translink afloat. In a time of austerity, when everyone has to monitor income and expenditure, Translink need to take a very serious look at their own spendin, and urgently implement a range of efficiency savings across the board whilst still maintaining the current service level. I have no doubt that this will be a difficult exercise, but the company simply cannot resort to fare increases when their books don't balance".

"We are currently in the process of accepting delivery of 20 new trains for our rail network, yet Translink seem set on deterrin people from using the new stock. I have been involved in lobbying for retention of the Larne-Whitehead section of the Larne Line; these fare increases will do nothing to encourage people back onto the trains in sufficient numbers to guarantee the line's future" said Cllr McKinty.

"What smacks in the face of most commuters is that Translink's CEO, and no doubt other senior management, are being rewarded with increased pay, whilst the company is losing money. Senior staff need to be in touch with passengers on the ground." Concluding Cllr McKinty added "I will be raising this issue with Mike Nesbitt MLA, our party leader, to see how the Ulster Unionist Party can force the Executive to encourage salary restraint in organisations engaged in delivery of public services".

McKinty Welcomes Larne Line Reprieve

Larne Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has welcomed last week's confirmation from Translink that the previously discussed reductions in train services from Belfast/Whitehead to Larne will not now proceed, and some time has been bought to reassess the viability and demand on the route.

Speaking to residents in Larne today, Cllr McKinty said "The rail link between Whitehead and Larne is of vital importance to domestic users and to businesses. I am glad Translink have listened to representations made by local politicians, including myself, member of the Larne Line Passenger Group (LLPG), and local business/community representatives, and are prepared to continue monitoring the line, rather than cut services".

While the proposed reduction has been put on hold temporarily subject to ongoing review and monitoring, Cllr McKinty, who was involved in the organisation of the recent LLPG public meeting in Larne, reitterated the importance of residents in the wider East Antrim area to utilise train services. "We will only be able to guarantee the long-term survival and investment in our railways if people continue to use them for work, social travel, and if they are marketed effectively for tourists visitors to the region" he said.  "We have been thrown a lifeline, and won this battle, but that is not to say Translink could determine sometime in the future the service has got to go.  It is now up to everyone who values this essential public transport link to start using it more frequently and indeed up to local politicians and Government to make sure the service offered meets with customer demands".

Cllr McKinty concluded, "I am making further representations to see how we can limit further price hikes in fares, which could  potentially result in lower commuter demand. I acknowledge there has been no fare increase for the past 2 years, and the proposed 3% increase falls well below inflation over that time. However, while we all need to be conscious of the effects of rising operating costs, we also need to keep to the forefront of our minds value for money and wider economic implications at the loss of such a service. In order to assist my representations, I would encourage residents to contact me with any information which may be relevant".

Email: mmckinty@gmail.com

Mobile: 07771 925546

Concern over Vandalism at NI Water Wastewater Pumping Station in Larne

Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has voiced his concern about a recent break in at a pumping station in Larne. 

 

"This is a serious act of vandalism at the wastewater pumping station. Parts of the surrounding fencing were damaged and vital equipment was stolen during the break-in." said Cllr McKinty. "This had the potential to lead to a serious level of pollution."

Highlighting the potential dangers, Cllr McKinty branded the act "wreckless": "This is one of a series of thefts in the Borough recently which not only risks the vandal's life, but also members of the general public. Fencing used to keep people away from dangerous equipment has been damaged, and young children could easily gain access to the site".

"Furthermore, the cost of repairs will be passed on to local residents, and this vandalism will only set back any planned or potential improvements to services for the local community.

NI Water representative, Gavin McCready, who has been dealing with the break-in, explained: “NI Water would like to stress that there are serious risks, not only to those carrying out the break-in, but also to the public and the environment. "

“We would appeal to those involved to think about their behaviour and stop immediately".

Cllr McKinty continued: "NI Water's resources must be protected for the local community. We must all support and protect these vital services and I would call on those engaging in these acts to cease immediately. Anyone with any information or who sees suspicious activity should report it immediately to NI Water or the Police".

To report an incident at any NI Water site, please phone Waterline on 08457 440088