£14,500 coat of arms scheme '˜pompous'

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is to spend over £14,500 on a coat of arms.

At last Tuesday night’s meeting members were given an update on the work required to achieve Borough status and a coat of arms for the new Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The meeting heard that research had been completed on aspects of history and culture from the four legacy councils - Coleraine, Ballymoney, Moyle and Ballymoney.

Members were informed that the cost of a coat of arms, which requires an application to the Earl Marshal, would be £14,500.

A recommendation that a sub committee should be set up to take the Charter project forward was agreed by members.

Despite the recommendation, Sinn Fein’s Cara McShane highlighted the fact that her party was against Borough status, she described it as ‘pompous’ and ‘ceremonial’.

Responding, UUP Alderman Norman Hillis pointed out that Council had already agreed to go for Borough status. He proposed that a sub committee of five members should be set up, appointed by the D’hont system.

This was seconded by DUP councillor James McCorkell who welcomed the update.