President Clinton’s ideas inform new Council thinking

bill-clinton

The type of community involvement endorsed by President Clinton underpins a “brains trust” scheme which Ards and North Down Borough Council will be the first to use in Northern Ireland aimed at giving ratepayers a unique opportunity to influence what the council does. The Council has asked Officers to present a report on how the “Innovation Lab” project “would enable … Read morePresident Clinton’s ideas inform new Council thinking

We should not allow the Conscience Clause to become law

Conscience Clause

The Conscience Clause presently being considered by Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan, DUP states that businesses could refuse service where someone feels they are required to “endorse a same-sex sexual relationship in violation of his/her faith identity.” This means that a gay couple could be refused the rental of a house or be kicked out … Read moreWe should not allow the Conscience Clause to become law

Young people to be at heart of policy making in North Down & Ards

Last night I succeeded in bringing the voice of young people in the District into the Council chamber when my Motion to engage young people in the development of policy on issues of relevance to young people was passed unanimously. As a Council we have set ourselves the mission of making North Down & Ards a … Read moreYoung people to be at heart of policy making in North Down & Ards

50mph past Groomsport is OK says Walker

Just to confirm that I accept the PSNI and TransportNI decision that 50mph is the optimum choice of speed for safety on the A2 from Seahaven Park to Groomsport Roundabout. I do not support other Councillors call for DOE to reconsider a 40mph limit. No point in convincing TransportNI professionals to carry out traffic surveys … Read more50mph past Groomsport is OK says Walker

North Down and Ards Shadow Council prepares to innovate

Innovation and local government might not be two concepts often combined in the same thought. But that could all change as the new North Down and Ards Shadow Council is set to put qualified local people at the centre of policy-making, after Councillors unanimously supported a proposal to be the first local authority in Northern … Read moreNorth Down and Ards Shadow Council prepares to innovate

Groomsport By-Pass to be 50mph zone

I’m pleased to say that we have been successful in having TransportNI agree to reducing the speed limit on the section of the Groomsport by-pass from Seahaven Holiday Park to beyond Groomsport Roundabout to 50mph. Residents have been calling for this change for many years, but it was only after I was able to convince TransportNI to … Read moreGroomsport By-Pass to be 50mph zone

Ballychrochan and Deanfield to enjoy high-speed broadband – finally

Gavin Walker

Along with residents of the Ballychrochan Road area, Alliance Councillor Gavin Walker is celebrating BT’s commitment to upgrade the broadband connection they missed over two years ago. “BT upgraded the broadband service to Bangor over two years ago but for some reason or other managed to miss one cabinet on the Ballychrochan Road (Cabinet 75) … Read moreBallychrochan and Deanfield to enjoy high-speed broadband – finally

Donaghadee Ulster Bank guarantees continued service

Donaghadee Ulster Ban

After the announcement that Donaghadee Ulster Bank branch is to close in February, I arranged for a a delegation of representatives from the town -including the Donaghadee Commerce and Development Group –  to meet with a team from Ulster Bank Management to discuss service provision post-closure. While the Bank team confirmed that the decision to … Read moreDonaghadee Ulster Bank guarantees continued service