Council can remove litter but not snow: Simpson

A businessman in the town, Alderman Simpson said it was ‘quite ridiculous’ adding ‘I cleared outside my shop and people thanked me for doing it’.

The issue was raised during a recent Full Council meeting after members aired their views over who was responsible for removing the snow and ice from pavements and pathways.

Over the past few weeks, officials, including councillors, have been under attack from Ballymoney ratepayers about the treacherous state of the footpaths, and roads, which has resulted in numerous reports of injuries.

Expressing his frustration at the situation, Alderman Simpson said that he opened his paper shop on Main Street on Boxing Day morning and saw a council vehicle with a sweeper picking up litter.

“I want to know what was the point of that being there? What was it doing? There was no litter because it was covered with ice and snow - surely the workers would have been better gritting the pathways on that day.

“It seems the council has responsibility to lift litter but has no responsibility to lift snow, the whole thing is quite ridiculous.”

He went on to say that during the festive period there were no football pitches to maintain, no ground maintenance at council sites adding: “Why couldn’t these council workers be relocated to clear the three main streets, Main Street, High Street and Church Street?”

Concluding Alderman Simpson also questioned why the back of Riada House had been gritted and not the front stating: “It looks bad when we can’t even grit our own premises properly.”

The Director of Borough Services, Mr John Michael expressed his disappointment that Alderman Simpson had aired his views at a council meeting rather than spoken to him personally.

In response he explained: “The Chamber of Commerce praised us for having the sweeper out. Boxing Day was a trading day and staff lifted litter, broken glass and emptied bins.

“With regards the gritting of council premises, we have no obligation to clear the front pavements at the offices but we are obliged to clear pathways when people come into the building as we are inviting them in.”

Hitting back at the Director, Alderman Simpson said: “I can raise an issue where ever I like, it doesn’t have to be in private.”

He concluded: “At the next election people will say ‘you boys haven’t fulfilled your responsibilities’. We do have responsibilities. Council say they want more power and when we have the opportunity to extend our power we walk away.”