Sinn Fein Colr. on bonfires: '˜Strike while the iron is hot'

The Causeway Coast & Glens Borough councillor made the call after she said she was told there were 25 official complaints lodged with Council officials about recent bonfires.

Colr. Chivers raised the issue at a meeting of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council on Tuesday.

“On Tuesday night, I asked officals for more information regarding Eleventh Night bonfires.

“I was told 25 official complaints were lodged with the Council; 29 took place across the borough with eight on Council property,” said Colr. Chivers.

“Some of my fellow councillors questioned the timing of these questions but, as I have said before, the same problems arrive every year and I am keen to strike while the iron is still hot and get a plan into action for next year.

There was also cries of sectarianism and attacking orange culture.

“I would like to remind those councillors that myself and Sinn Féin colleagues condemn illegal bonfires of all types and remove materials from bonfires in nationalist communities in many cases because they do not represent the opinions of the majority of people in those areas.”

Colr. Chivers added: “We need to bring all the responsible bodies together to effectivly deal with this situation, once and for all. Local tyre companies also need to be consulted as their concerns should also be heard.

“It is unacceptable that the majority of the population who want nothing to do with these bonfires have their rights and health respected.”