News

Anger after Nathan Carter posters removed

 SDLP councillor Margaret Anne McKillop holds one of the posters removed in Cushendall
 SDLP councillor Margaret Anne McKillop holds one of the posters removed in Cushendall  SDLP councillor Margaret Anne McKillop holds one of the posters removed in Cushendall

A Co Antrim council has been criticised amid claims officials removed posters promoting a concert by country star Nathan Carter while ignoring illegal material gathered at bonfire sites.

Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Margaret Anne McKillop last night said she is “livid” after the flyers promoting a gig for a GAA club were taken down around Cushendall in recent days.

Nathan Carter is set to play at a concert to raise funds for local hurling club Ruiari Og's next month.

His manager last night said they hoped the matter can be resolved.

Cushendall, in the scenic Glens of Antrim, is surrounded by several staunch loyalist districts which host annual ‘Eleventh Night’ bonfires.

Ms McKillop said council officials have ignored hundreds of tyres which will be set alight later this month.

“I am livid that one of the enforcement officers has nothing better to do with ratepayers' money that to go round Cushendall tearing down posters promoting a local community event to raise money to keep children and young people involved in healthy activities,” the SDLP councillor said.

“I just wish he spent more time in Dervock or Finvoy where there are huge hoardings inviting tyres for a bonfire.

"Hundreds of lorry tyres have been gathered up and are now going to pollute the atmosphere for weeks afterwards, attacking the health of children and older people with respiratory problems.”

Ms McKillop said she has asked the chief executive of the Causeway Coast and Glens Council for an explanation.

“Of course we want to live within the law and will endeavour to do so but when you look at lampposts littered with paramilitary flags and every conceivable piece of toxic material, including tyres in villages all round you where there can be no benefit to the community, you begin to wonder what is going on,” she said.

Nathan Carter’s manager John Farry last night said the Liverpool-born star, whose hits include Wagon Wheel, is looking forward to next month’s gig.

"We hope the matter can be resolved,” he said. “This is going to be an event for all the community and we look forward to playing in Cushendall.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Council declined to comment.