Lagan Valley election candidate speak out on local senior citizens endangerment

UUP election candidate for Lagan Valley Basil McCrea MLA spoke out against the Roads Service Eastern division this week due to their lack of provision of a safe crossing for older residents living on Moss Road.

Moss Road, one of the busier areas within Lisburn, has vital local services for it’s less mobile residents such as the post office, pharmacy and large Mace convenience store. However elderly residents who have trouble with their movement find it difficult to cross the road to access these crucial facilities.

“The residents of Moss road have complained on several occasions to the Roads Service’s Eastern Division that they have felt unable to cross the roads safely but all requests for a resolution have seemingly fallen on deaf ears” stated Basil McCrea.

“I have spoken to the Roads service and they have told me that following these complaints they have previously surveyed the road and assessed that it does not require a crossing, and that was not likely to change.”

“This is unacceptable as a large number of residents who desperately require these local services feel they are unable to access them with the frequency they require and something must be done to assist those more vulnerable in our community.”

“I have insisted that Roads Service carry out another survey, bearing in mind the input of the local residents and make their assessment showing due consideration to the residents difficulties as well.”

Lagan Vallery Election candidate speak out on neglect of new residents

Today UUP election candidate for Lagan Valley Basil McCrea spoke out regarding the Roads Service neglect of new Lisburn residents in the Mornington estate.

“This new development is important to the overall economic growth of Lisburn, and it is a pleasure to be able to welcome many new couples and families into the area.”

“However as always with new developments, there have been changes and increases to traffic, and it has been problematic for those living in Mornington to enter and exit the estate due to the high volume of vehicles passing through Ballinderry Road.”

“This has caused the residents serious issues exiting the development and has on more than one occasion caused serious ‘near-misses’. A simple set of traffic lights would calm the traffic sufficiently to allow departure from the estate much more readily, and safely.”

“I have been in contact with the Roads Service and they have told me that due to there having been no history of collision on the road, there is no need for traffic lights or any other traffic calming measures. Yet this assessment does not take into account the recent changes brought about by this new development.”

“Does there have to be a collision before the Roads Service will actually take action? The Roads Service Eastern Division claims that without this ‘collision history’ there is no need to take action, but this neglect of change in Lisburn is not supporting the city’s evolving needs, which are crucial to adhere to now more than ever to continue to encourage our growth.”

“I will be continuing to challenge the Roads Service’s decision on this matter, so that all residents of Lisburn either well-established or just moving into our area are well provided for with safe roads.

UUP Policing Spokeperson Basil McCrea MLA showed serious concern for the how the office relocation may create security issues, and hinder staff's family life

Three weeks ago an unexpected decision was taken by the Jobs and Benefits Office to relocate their Lisburn based Job seekers and Income support staff to Andersonstown.

MLA Basil McCrea stated how the decision will affect locals; “There is no doubt that some of the 350 new claims, or hundreds of individuals who use the centre each month will now have to travel to Andersonstown to speak to specialists on certain issues.”

“Speaking as a Policing Board Member I feel the interests of ex-service PSNI officers, or currently serving military officers claiming benefits such as income support or pensions are not being given adequate consideration in this decision.”

“The relocation of some claimant matters will create security issues that do not currently exist at a time of increased dissident activity.”

Speaking on the disruption to office staff Mr McCrea stated, “The staff have told me that they were only informed that they would have to relocate less than a month ago, and by the 4^th of July.”

“Many of the staff were only able to commit to part time hours at this office due to caring responsibility of elderly loved ones or very young children at local schools.”

“This interruption has put staff in a position where they may have to look for other jobs and since we are still battling high levels of unemployment this is simply cruel.”

One staff member from the Bow House Office added; “The Jobs and Benefit’s Office aims to have all staff with similar specializations located at the same office, whether it is convenient or not.”

“We will be provided with financial assistance to cover the costs of the extra distance to travel.”

“This money would be better spent on retraining staff members with skills that will allow them to stay in the Lisburn office.”

Mr McCrea added “It is a disgrace that the Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood, has given so little consideration to the disruption to family life and the difficult position this decision has puts local inhabitants in.”

“I have contacted the Ministers offices and am doing my best to find a reasonable solution to this matter for all parties involved.”

Membership Secretary Clara Crookshanks, Treasurer John Baird, Chairman Basil McCrea, Vice-Chair Alex Redpath, Secretary Olive Mercer and Assistance Secretary Florence Chambers

This week Lagan Vally Ulster Unionists held their annual general meeting on Monday 24th of January. The evening was a triumph for local MLA Basil McCrea who was elected Chairman by acclamation. The Lagan Valley MLA recently contested the Ulster Unionist Party Leadership race and polled nearly 300 votes.

Alexander Redpath a former member of Mr McCrea’s staff and the acting Secretary of Lagan Valley UUP was elected Vice-Chairman. Mr Redpath was one of Basil’s most outspoken supporters during the party leadership election. As a former Chairman of Queen’s Students Union and the Lagan Valley Young Unionists Mr Redpath has the experience to be an effective Deputy to Cllr McCrea.

Olive Mercer a former assembly selection candidate from Dromore was elected secretary. Olive stood after a successful term as Women’s Development Officer.

James Baird, a former Lisburn Councillor, was elected treasurer. Mr Baird has extensive financial experience through his time as a local businessman.

Phillip Mc Neil Lisburn UUP Treasurer was elected Public Relations Officer. Mr McNeil has been published in both the Times and Daily Telegraph, and wants to use his web design experience to improve party communication.

Clara Crookshanks was elected Membership Secretary. Mrs Crookshanks has served in this capacity for some time and brings a depth of experience to the role that will be very welcome.

Lady Daphne Trimble the former Westminster candidate was elected Elections Officer. Lady Trimble will now mastermind the UUP’s election campaign.

Florence Chambers was elected assistant secretary. A former association secretary and member of Basil McCrea’s office team Mrs Chambers will represent a very valuable support to Secretary Olive Mercer.

Umbrella's Chairman Roman Zilbar (far left) with some of Umbrella’s local members & members of Willowfield Church, Lisburn’s Community Development Officer Rhonda Frew (Middle), and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea

Last week multicultural community support groups ‘Umbrella’ based in Lisburn, and members of the Willowfield Parish Church in Belfast had the pleasure of visiting the Stormont Assembly with Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea acting as their dedicated tour guide.

“I have always felt it to be vitally important for all people and communities to have access to Northern Ireland’s parliamentary buildings” stated Mr McCrea.

“During Lisburn’s Multicultural Christmas Event many of the attendees expressed to me that they had an interest in politics but had never had an opportunity to visit the Stormont Assembly, so I was very pleased that I was able to invite the groups to visit the building and learn some of its history.”

Community Development Officer for the Lisburn City Council, Rhonda Frew also attended the visit, “It is very important for multicultural groups operating in our community to learn about NI politics as these groups are an integral and valuable part of community life in Lisburn.”

“Umbrella Multicultural Group learnt a lot from this tour and appreciates the continued support from our local political representatives”

McCrea added; “Northern Ireland is wonderfully diverse and it’s exciting to see our communities gaining new understandings of a variety of cultures, as well as having fresh talents in the community.”

“I look forward to continuing to support the work of ‘Umbrella’ and the Willowfield Parish Church, and hope to be able to invite new members of their groups to Stormont again in the future.”

UUP MLA for Lagan Valley and Lisburn city councillor Basil McCrea

Today the BBC reported on the prosed sweeping reforms to the planning system;

“Edwin Poots said a planning bill would return control of planning to councils and would eventually mean councillors making most planning decisions.

He added that the Planning Service would be abolished and staff absorbed into his department.”

However, UUP MLA for Lagan Valley and Lisburn city councillor Basil McCrea said that the new system could prove a double-edged sword for local representatives.

“Councillors often take populist views because they do not have to take decisions,” he said.

“Now, they are going to have take decisions that in the main will not popular.”

Mr McCrea also warned of the dangers of councillors making the wrong decisions and ending up in extensive and potentially expensive litigation.

Read more on BBC News NI by clicking here

Candidates Mark Hill, Basil McCrea and Oliver Mercer are due to face the elections committee later this year

Basil McCrea topped the poll and was overwhelmingly endorsed by his own constituency to be one of the selected candidates running for the role of a standing MLA representing Lagan Valley in the next election.

Mr McCrea was followed in the Candidate Selection by Oliver Mercer, the UUP’s Lagan Valley Women’s development officer and Vice-Chair of Gavaghy Skeagh Unionist branch.

Mark Hill, the Lagan Valley UUP Press Officer who current works as the Office Manager for Mid-Ulster UUP MLA Billy Armstrong, came in as a close third.

The candidates will go forward to a selection panel made up of four local officers and three party officials. The panel will select two candidates to stand in the Assembly elections.

“It has been a fantastic night,” said Mr. McCrea, speaking last Monday. “This Candidate Selection has given me the opportunity to speak on how I want to continue my work for Lagan Valley constituents. There was also enthusiasm towards my ideas to develop my vision for the party as a whole, which have been well received.

“The members have voted not for me, but for my record – they know I can and will deliver.

“I am keen to continue my work for Lagan Valley, and should I become leader and be successful in the elections, I will be as dedicated to the constituency as I am to the needs of the party.

UUP Lagan Valley Elections Officer Alexander Redpath said; “The extraordinary interest shown by candidates from across Northern Ireland in the Lagan Valley seats is an indication of our high likelihood of taking two seats in the next election. The diversity of the candidates coming forward shows the changing face of the UUP.”

“YFCUs efforts have really paid off,” said Mr. McCrea. “Without a doubt, our young people are the most vulnerable on the roads; 1 in 8 drivers in the UK are under 25, but a quarter of drivers who die in traffic collisions are in this age group. The YFCUs campaign is a running start in the right direct for the promotion of road safety and reduction of accidents that could leave otherwise healthy and happy young people with drastically altered lives or worse.”

The YFCU’s event also focused on the dangers of drunk driving.

“In light of my colleague, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, efforts this week with Department of Social Development presenting new proposals to investigate cheap alcohol sales in pubs and clubs, I am particularly pleased to see these dangers focused on. We must aim to protect young people from alcoholism and related anti-social behavior, and part of that behaviour can manifest as drunk driving. Seeing the young people here tonight really engaging with the presentations has shown that the YFCUs efforts have gone a very long way.”

The opening event lasted ninety minutes included an interactive road safety presentation from the PSNI and an outdoor reconstruction of a road traffic accident by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Tomorrow Mr. McCrea will begin his programme meeting with  local Police Chief Ed Flynn and Lt. Alan Johnson to discuss the World Police and Fire Games due to be held for the first time ever in Belfast in 2013. The games will see the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Prison Service hosting approximately 10, 000 – 14,000 Law Enforcement Officers and Fire-fighters from around the world who will compete in a wide variety of sporting events.

Following this, Mr. McCrea is to have the distinguished honour of adding his name to the prestigious Milwaukee Press Club’s ‘Signature Collection’. As the longest standing Press Club in North America, the Press Club has a long standing tradition of inviting both national and international dignitaries to add their name to the their wall on specially designed chalk board.  Mr. McCrea’s name will join the list of dignities which includes previous American presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt, and many international Sport’s athletes.

As part of his continued commitment to the Voluntary sector, Mr. McCrea will also be meeting the Milwaukee Chapter of ‘Friends of Saint Patrick’ at the Festival.  The ‘Friends of Saint Patrick’ work alongside the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick to welcome around 12 people aged 20 – 25 from America to Northern Ireland each year. These young people gain a greater cultural understanding of Northern Ireland, and learn about the strong ties between the two countries. On their return to the USA they become Young Ambassadors for Northern Ireland.

During his visit, Mr McCrea will be promoting his own cross- community charity, ‘Friends Forever’, who bring 30 young people aged between 15 -17 to the US annually from Northern Ireland for a 2 week ‘Life-Raft’ program. This begins a year-long experience for the young people to become leaders for peace and reconciliation in their own communities.

Later that afternoon Mr. McCrea will tour the Menomonee Valley and promote Northern Ireland as an investment opportunity to the 21 companies that have recently located there, and to the 7 existing companies which have expanded there too. The impressive redevelopment of this historic area, that played a huge part in Wisconsin’s industrial boom in the last century, has created over 4,200 jobs in Wisconsin over the last 10 years.

Over the next two days of his visit, Mr McCrea has been invited to speak to young people and adults at the Irish Festivals Cultural village as part of their ‘Summer School’ experience. His talk on ”Northern Ireland Government – Moving Forward” will  demonstrate the advantages of having a locally elected NI assembly which has promoted peace and reconciliation between the two communities in Northern Ireland.

Looking forward to his visit Mr McCrea said “The biggest challenge to Northern Ireland is the continual loss of our talented professionals and young people. Due to financial crisis we are currently in there are less jobs available and for every graduate job there are at least 72 applicants. More and more of our young people are moving abroad for work.”

“I am keen to explore new prospects of investment for Northern Ireland, so we can curb the loss of our talents. Business is all about building relationships and it has never been so important to create new connections to revitalise our economy.”

Over 130 thousand people attend the festival each year. Mr McCrea continued “This is a golden opportunity to sell Northern Ireland; to encourage tourism, by my involvement with the World Police and Fire Service games which attracts 10 to 14 thousand annually – and that’s just competitors; and to promote greater understanding between our two countries. As always, there is much to be gained by our continued relationship with the United States.”

“I am pleased to have opportunity to represent the unionist community, with its rich culture, abroad as part of Northern Ireland’s wider cultural identity. I am eager to discuss and promote peace and reconciliation from a new prospective at the Milwaukee Festival too.”

“This is a very important new initiative, especially for the elderly and disabled members of our community” said Mr. McCrea. “There are many on lower incomes that struggle to meet these costs and without knowing could be paying more than they ought. Fortunately as part of the new program, the Land and Property Service should be contacting many of those who are facing these difficulties directly over the next few weeks to see if they should be availing of these benefits.”

“However there are many more people who are entitled to help that the Land and Property Service are not aware of. I would urge anyone who is on a lower income to contact them immediately by telephoning 101, or visiting http://www.nidirect.gov.uk

“The Land and Property Service also now has a full time Outreach officer who will be available to speak to community groups, sign posters and community leaders to help them to give guidance to those in need.”

“If any community group in the area would like to take up on this assistance, a talk on rate reliefs and the processes and procedures involved can be arranged with the Outreach Officer by calling Lenny Peden on 028 90 543877, or Stuart Young on 028 90 543897. Alternatively they can be contacted by post; Based Rate Relief, Take-Up Team, Ground Floor, Queen’s Court, Upper Queen’s Street, Belfast, BT1 6FD”