Mid & East Antrim Council seeks Executive backing for recovery and reset plan after June disturbances

Inset: Interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Valerie Watts

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed to formally request the support of the First and Deputy First Ministers to develop a long-term recovery plan in response to recent unrest in Ballymena and Larne.

The decision was made during the Council’s meeting on Monday, 21 July—the first full sitting since incidents of unrest occurred across the borough in June.

Opening the meeting, the Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford, said councillors must “show leadership in how we respond to recent events,” and reiterated the Council’s core values:

“Our ambition is that Mid and East Antrim would be a safe, inclusive and welcoming Borough where diversity and cultural differences are celebrated and communities live in peace.”

Interim Chief Executive Valerie Watts proposed the development of a comprehensive reset and recovery plan. She expressed deep concern after engaging with both local residents and landlords affected by the incidents.

“It is vital that we work closely with other public agencies and private sector stakeholders to develop and deliver a robust plan that will deal with inclusion, cohesion and rebuilding trust within our communities,” said Mrs Watts.

“Fundamentally, what is required is a strategic plan to help reset communities and move on but also learn from what did take place.”

Mrs Watts stressed the importance of addressing broader societal issues, including immigration, housing, race relations, and violence against women and girls.

“The plan needs to be informed by and complement any existing peace building, community cohesion and socio-economic strategies and to ensure its success, the long-term commitment of all the relevant agencies and private sector stakeholders will be absolutely necessary.”

She concluded by requesting permission to write to the First and Deputy First Ministers to seek their backing.

“To achieve this, we need the support of the Northern Ireland Executive and as such, I would seek permission from Council to write to the First and Deputy First Ministers.”

The proposal was supported by Alderman Andrew Wilson, who emphasised the Northern Ireland Executive’s responsibilities and funding in relation to Good Relations. It was seconded by Councillor James McKeown and subsequently endorsed by Council.