Statement by Cllr Timothy Gaston, TUV Bannside:
“Since I was first elected I have been consistently lobbying government that the criteria used for granting new grit boxes needed to be relaxed as it has been failing to meet the very real need of my constituents.
“Areas such as Sunnyside Park on the Antrim Road, Markstown Grove and Tobar Fold in Cullybackey are in need of simple and inexpensive grit boxes. Every time there is ice or snow, residents are left having to fend for themselves when all they need is a box and grit.
“Time and time again we are told budget constraints at the primary reason for the impossible criteria being set in place. Yet, Ministers seem able to find money down the back of a sofa when it suits for the Irish Language.
“It is about time they found money that will help communities who want to help themselves.”