Hussey expresses major concerns over NW Super Council Proposal
West Tyrone Ulster Unionist Assembly Member, Derek Hussey, has expressed concerns in regard to the placing of the Castlederg, Ardstraw, Newtownstewart region of Strabane District Council with the proposed new North West Super Council.
Mr Hussey, who is also a member for the Derg Area on Strabane District Council, further suggested that the present proposal for seven Super Councils is still not ’set in stone’.
The West Tyrone UUP MLA said: “Although we now have proposals before us for a seven Council model, there are suggestions that the eventual Council make-up may have been the subject of a ’side deal’ within the St Andrews negotiations.
“Three of the main Parties - UUP, SDLP and DUP - favour a greater number of Councils up to 15, perhaps based along present Parliamentary Boundaries, thus providing greater local identity and co-terminousity of administrative systems. This is also the continuing view of NILGA.”
Mr. Hussey continued: “However, to be pragmatic, we now have to consider the Commissioner’s present proposals and, therein, my major local concern is the placing of the Castlederg, Ardstaw, Newtownstewart region within a new North West Super Council.
“I strongly contend that this area orientates strongly towards Omagh and Enniskillen rather Londonderry. Such an orientation would be evidenced by the social and economic trends shown by the residents of our area.
“The main travel to work pattern within the wider Derg Valley area is towards Omagh. Our major sporting links are towards the South West e.g. the Football Clubs in the region are registered with and play against teams within the Fermanagh & Western Association. Our Health provision is located within the present Sperrin Lakeland Trust and ongoing proposals in Health provision will entail local people travelling to Omagh and/or Enniskillen for Health Care Services. Our school children moving on to Second Level Education, in the main travel to Castlederg or Omagh.
“I believe that the new North West Council will be an Urban type of administration while our mainly rural type community can be bettered serviced within the South West region with its greater understanding of the needs of rural dwellers.
“There are many other examples that demonstrate a natural affinity for people from the Derg/Newtown area towards Omagh rather than Strabane or Londonderry.
Mr Hussey concluded “I will certainly be making representations to the Commission in regard to the current placement of our area and am urging individuals and organisations to do likewise before the closing date of 5th January 2007.”