Mid and East Antrim bonfire management deferred to enable ‘feedback on community engagement’

Minutes from last month’s discussion behind closed doors at a full council meeting say that meetings have been taking place between interim chief executive Valerie Watts and community groups.

Coast Road DUP Councillor Andrew Clarke proposed, seconded by Braid TUV Cllr Christopher Jamieson, the issue should be further deferred to enable the interim chief executive to “provide feedback on community engagement”.

Bonfire management has been highlighted in Mid and East Antrim following the death of Larne man John Steele after a fall from the Antiville bonfire in the town in July 2022.

Mr Steele, who was in his 30s, and a father-of-two, died while helping with the building of the bonfire. No bonfire was constructed on this site last July.

The issue of bonfire management was first placed on the council’s agenda in January 2023. It is understood that legal recommendations have been provided to councillors.

It was further postponed by the local authority last February, March and April and was not listed for a full council meeting in June as agreed. A special meeting was held later that month but no decision was reached and the matter was further postponed until September.

Minutes from last month’s council meeting also stated: “The corporate solicitor provided clarification on progress made in relation to this complex issue, on the legal advice already provided and protection afforded to council by the proposed measures.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter