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.