'˜An attempt to trample over nationalist people' says Sinn Fein councillor

Sinn Fein have slammed a move to rename the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre claiming there are better ways to spend council time and money.
Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. (1503PG89)Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. (1503PG89)
Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. (1503PG89)

A motion, submitted by Ulster unionist councillor Aaron Callan, TUV Colr. Boyd Douglas and UUP Colr Darryl Wilson, proposes to change the name to the Alexander Memorial Hall. It is due to be debated at Council tonight.

Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Nicholl said “it beggars belief” those who submitted the motion “think this is a useful way to spend council time and money”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is again an attempt to trample over the nationalist people throughout the borough,” said Colr. Nicholl. “The Centre is doing perfectly well at the moment under its current name, and everyone knows it.

Sinn Fein Councillor Dermot Nicholl. 2810JM02Sinn Fein Councillor Dermot Nicholl. 2810JM02
Sinn Fein Councillor Dermot Nicholl. 2810JM02

“Any attempt to rename could be detrimental and cause confusion to tourists and locals alike. Anybody who has spoken to me about this cannot understand the motivation behind this and whether it is time well spent.”

Sinn Féin assembly candidate for East Derry, Caoimhe Archibald, added: “This would simply be a costly rebranding exercise and the money which would be needed to launch this new name could be used to further promote the centre and other tourist attractions in the area which are in abundance.”

The Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre was opened in October 2010 by the former Limavady Borough Council. It’s understood that it attracts between 50-60,000 tourists each year, local and international.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ‘Derry Journal’ also understands in the region of £15,000 was spent on branding the Centre.

Local residents have questioned why the motion has been submitted, with one local woman using social media, stating on Facebook: “Why ... total waste of money.”

Related topics: