‘Scrooge’ councils criticised
Community representatives in County Derry are angry after local councils refused to help small villages celebrate Christmas.
Christmas has been cancelled for some small communities as they celebrate the festive holidays without even so much as a Christmas tree.
Local groups say ‘scrooge’ officials at both Limavady and Magherafelt Council have refused the smaller areas help to celebrate the Christmas season, declining requests for small grants to decorate the area themselves.
Among the villages affected were Swatragh and Gortnaghey, where residents in both areas came together to decorate the towns.
Dougie Quantz, facilities Co-ordinator for Gortnaghey Community Association, says the councils are sending out a poor message to smaller villages and community groups.
“I feel that there is definitely some discrimination to smaller villages,” he said.
“No matter what the size may be all villages should be allowed to celebrate Christmas, and have accessibility to the means of doing so. What sort of message are they sending out to smaller areas?
“Without the Gortnaghey community pulling together this year we would not have had a Christmas, and it’s put a strain on our budget as a result.”
Gortnaghey were told they would not receive a Christmas tree or any funding towards decorating by Limavady Council because they were not classed as a village.
Meanwhile in Swatragh, a well known restaurant provided the town’s main Christmas tree this year after officials at Magherafelt Council declined support.
Valerie Richmond, Director of Development at Limavady Borough Council said the issue is not one of discrimination but one of adhering to council policy.
“A policy was put in place a few years ago by Limavady Council that towns or villages can qualify to receive a Christmas tree during the Christmas period.
“Unfortunately Gortnaghey does not qualify for village status and are not eligible for support. This is not a case of discrimination but a case of council policy.”
