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Audit Office probing council-funded loyalist bonfire pallets

The Audit Office has launched a probe after thousands of pounds intended for family events ended up as pallets burnt on loyalist bonfires in Co Antrim
The Audit Office has launched a probe after thousands of pounds intended for family events ended up as pallets burnt on loyalist bonfires in Co Antrim The Audit Office has launched a probe after thousands of pounds intended for family events ended up as pallets burnt on loyalist bonfires in Co Antrim

THE Audit Office is to investigate after a council gave thousands of pounds of funding intended for family events to pay for pallets burnt on loyalist bonfires.

The Irish News revealed more than £6,300 of ratepayers' cash was spent on wooden pallets over two years in the Antrim area.

Almost £1,000 was also spent on wood, fuel and vehicle hire to help construct bonfires and a further £2,600 on flute bands to perform at them.

Funding rules say bonfire groups should only receive money for related 'family fun events' – but not for the building of Eleventh Night pyres.

The revelation follows anger over offensive displays on other loyalist bonfires, including one at the centre of a police hate crime investigation.

Funding for pallets was approved for three groups in the Antrim council area last year and in 2013 – Parkhall Upper Community Association, Steeple Festival Group and Stiles Cultural Group.

A fourth group, Balloo Community Association, claimed £930 in 2013 for wood, fuel and the hire of a vehicle to help build their bonfire.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office yesterday confirmed it would probe the bonfire group funding.

"The audit of the Antrim Borough Council's accounts for 2014-15 is ongoing and this matter will be considered as part of that audit," a spokesman said.

"In considering this matter as part of the 2014-15 audit, we will be identifying and assessing all such expenditure incurred."

The new Antrim and Newtownabbey council said the payments for pallets were "authorised in error" and it is reviewing its bonfire management programme to produce a new policy for future years.