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Portrush UUP representative Norman Hillis says Environment Minister Arlene Foster should step back from the brink after indicating that she is minded to grant planning permission for the construction of a new Giant’s Causeway Visitors’ Centre by a private developer.

The vice chairman of the Causeway Coast and Glens Ltd believes the Minister should now listen to what respected groups such as the National Trust and the public are saying over the issue.

Mr. Hillis said: “I believe that the best step the Minister can take is a step back from the brink and take cognisance of what reaction there has been to her announcement.

“There has been a public outcry on this issue because people are concerned about the Minister’s sudden u-turn on the issue.

“The fact that after having the full support of the National Trust and other interested parties for the publicly run option and organised a worldwide competition for a design, the Minister has indicated her intention to revert to a private option, has set alarm bells ringing.

“The issue does need to be resolved quickly but not by disregarding the concerns of the people who have been looking after a world famous attraction for decades.”

UUP East Londonderry Assembly candidates Norman Hillis has praised the Housing Executive and the fire and rescue service for their prompt response to a blaze when gas cylinders went on fire in Coleraine.

Mr. Hillis said: “The incident forced two dozen families out of their homes and the Executive deserve credit for the effective manner in which they dealt with the emergency.

“It was a trying and testing time for many residents in the Ballygallin Park area and the Executive staff worked hard to provide alternative accommodation as quickly as possible.”

Mr. Hillis also praised the role of the fire service: “Once again the expertise of local firefighters ensured that damage was kept to a minimum and thankfully there were no serious injuries in this frightening episode.”

The removal of UUP election campaign posters in Kilrea illustrates that there are still some people who do not wish to embrace democracy, East Londonderry UUP Assembly candidate Norman Hillis has said.

Mr. Hillis revealed that many of his posters were taken down within hours of being erected in the town.

He said: “This type of action saddens me as it merely serves to indicate that there are people around who refuse to recognize fair play for all.

“Politics is all about democracy in action and trying to make life better for all the people of Northern Ireland.”

Mr. Hillis said his campaign workers had erected posters in Kilrea last Thursday and all but one had been removed almost immediately.

“I respect anyone’s right to stand for election and their entitlement to campaign in an honest and open manner. It is, however, regrettable that a tiny minority see it as their mission to deny candidates that right,” he added.

Securing additional funding to provide an increased number of police officers on the beat in Portrush is essential if the resort is to see a reduction in crime, East Londonderry UUP Assembly candidate Norman Hillis has said.

The outgoing MLA said he was disturbed to learn that Portrush is top of the crime league and Coleraine in the fourth busiest police station in Northern Ireland.

“We live in an age when crime is increasing and while there must be more finances identified to help the police get on top o the situation, I would also appeal to the public to play its part in helping the police catch those responsible.

“People cannot sit back and criticise when they refuse to come forward with information which could help catch criminals.

“We have now reached a stage where elderly people do not even feel safe in their own homes even in broad daylight. This is not acceptable.

“I believe everyone has a duty to become involved in ensuring we tackle the problem of crime by supporting the police and showing more interest in the work of local District Policing Partnerships which provide a vital channel of communication between the public and the police service.

“It is only through this type of involvement that real moves to counteract the activities of criminals can be formulated and adopted.”

Securing additional funding to provide an increased number of police officers on the beat in Portrush is essential if the resort is to see a reduction in crime, East Londonderry UUP Assembly candidate Norman Hillis has said.

The outgoing MLA said he was disturbed to learn that Portrush is top of the crime league and Coleraine in the fourth busiest police station in Northern Ireland.

“We live in an age when crime is increasing and while there must be more finances identified to help the police get on top o the situation, I would also appeal to the public to play its part in helping the police catch those responsible.

“People cannot sit back and criticise when they refuse to come forward with information which could help catch criminals.

“We have now reached a stage where elderly people do not even feel safe in their own homes even in broad daylight. This is not acceptable.

“I believe everyone has a duty to become involved in ensuring we tackle the problem of crime by supporting the police and showing more interest in the work of local District Policing Partnerships which provide a vital channel of communication between the public and the police service.

“It is only through this type of involvement that real moves to counteract the activities of criminals can be formulated and adopted.”

UUP East Londonderry Assembly candidates Norman Hillis and David McClarty have branded the Irish Government’s move to offer speaking rights to Ulster MPs in a Dail Committee as another attempt to erode the Unionist position.

In a joint statement, the outgoing MLAs have warned that the proposal should not be taken lightly, arguing that the southern government is merely exploring another avenue of diluting British sovereignty.

Mr. Hillis said: “The Irish government is operating outside the Belfast Agreement which contained no such provision as having Westminster MPs with rights in the Irish Parliament.

“This is a case of the Irish Government wanting to have its cake and eat it at the same time.”

Mr. McClarty went on: “The UUP has told both governments that if these proposals go ahead then there will be implications for North/South arrangements.”

He added: “Unionists want to forge a new relationship with the Republic based on Northern Ireland’s position as an integral part of the UK. But plans such as these must be opposed and must not be taken lightly.

“Nationalists must grasp the fact that Unionists will never take part in any aspect of the government that rules the Republic of Ireland.

“It is a different matter entirely for nationalists to be represented in the Assembly of Northern Ireland under British rule.”

UUP East Londonderry Assembly candidates Norman Hillis and David McClarty have branded the Irish Government’s move to offer speaking rights to Ulster MPs in a Dail Committee as another attempt to erode the Unionist position.

In a joint statement, the outgoing MLAs have warned that the proposal should not be taken lightly, arguing that the southern government is merely exploring another avenue of diluting British sovereignty.

Mr. Hillis said: “The Irish government is operating outside the Belfast Agreement which contained no such provision as having Westminster MPs with rights in the Irish Parliament.

“This is a case of the Irish Government wanting to have its cake and eat it at the same time.”

Mr. McClarty went on: “The UUP has told both governments that if these proposals go ahead then there will be implications for North/South arrangements.”

He added: “Unionists want to forge a new relationship with the Republic based on Northern Ireland’s position as an integral part of the UK. But plans such as these must be opposed and must not be taken lightly.

“Nationalists must grasp the fact that Unionists will never take part in any aspect of the government that rules the Republic of Ireland.

“It is a different matter entirely for nationalists to be represented in the Assembly of Northern Ireland under British rule.”

East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Assembly member Norman Hillis says those responsible for leaving an explosive device near the Courthouse in Coleraine have achieved nothing.

The MLA added: “This is the second time in a week the Courthouse has been the centre of a security alert and those who planted the device should realise that their actions are futile.

“I am grateful that no-one was injured in this incident and while it has again resulted in causing inconvenience to people living close by and traffic disruption, we must be thankful that the device was safely dealt with by the Army.

“The incident is a sinister development which I utterly condemn. This type of evil is a throw back to the dark and distant days of our history but as then, such actions will not change anything. We will, as we always have, resist the threat of terror to strive for peace.

“Those responsible for this latest attack are a tiny minority who have nothing worthwhile to offer for the future.”

The inclusion of Whiterocks and Downhill among seven more bathing water sites has been welcomed by UUP MLA Norman Hillis.

As Northern Ireland recorded its best ever bathing water quality results, the UUP Assembly member said: “ensuring that our bathing waters are of a high standard is vital not only from an environmental point of view but also in terms of tourism.”

All 16 of the currently identified bathing waters met the mandatory standards of the European Bathing Water Directive.  A total of 14 of these sites met the revised, more stringent, guideline standards.

“A further £47.5 million investment in water treatment infrastructure on the North Antrim Coast scheduled for completion in mid 2007 should further enhance bathing water quality,” he said.

“This is obviously of the utmost urgency as last week’s totally unacceptable sewage spill at the East Strand emphasises.”

The efforts of local people in all areas of the hospitality industry must be encouraged, East Londonderry UUP Assembly member Norman Hillis maintains.

The MLA, who is a Board member of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, was speaking at the Rural Tourism Awards in Enniskillen where the region covered by the Trust provided two winners.

Mr. Hillis congratulated local couple William and McCall Gilfillan from the Downhill Hostel who were winners in the category of accommodation provider.

The MLA said: “William and his wife McCall have made marvellous changes to the Hostel they run at Downhill, taking great care to ensure the facility is operated in an environmentally friendly manner which is a tremendous credit to them.

“They have put so much time and effort into improving the facility and richly deserve the recognition the award brings.”

Mr. Hillis said that the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, which covers Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Moyle, Larne, Newtownabbey and Ballymena, would continue to help stimulate rural tourism in an effect manner.

“Tourism generally is hugely important to the Northern Ireland economy and a significant employer in this area. I am passionate about ensuring that we continue to actively promote the region wherever and whenever possible.

“When I see the enthusiasm and commitment that people such as the Gilfillans have invested I am greatly encouraged. It is important that all those in the industry are supported in their endeavours.”

Mr. Hillis was also delighted that the Infrastructure Project award winner in Enniskillen was the Causeway Coastal Route covering Larne, Ballymena, Moyle and Coleraine areas.

He added: “This wonderful route is a magnet for visitors from all over the world and I welcome the fact that road signage has recently been improved to direct visitors to the route who are arriving in the Province from the Belfast ferry terminals and the George Best City Airport.”