Row as SF mayor blocks proposal to name new centre after NI centenary

The motion to name Craigavon’s new facility the ‘Centenary Leisure Centre’ was ruled improper by Lord Mayor Kevin Savage.

It was brought forward by DUP group leader on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, councillor Mark Baxter, who also proposed the Queen, or her representative, be invited to officially open the facility.

Mr Savage, using standing orders, ruled the motion was improper.

Alderman Stephen Moutray said he was surprised by the decision and asked the mayor “who you have sought and received advice from in relation to this”.

Mr Savage said he had not sought legal advice but had consulted his Sinn Fein party colleagues.

DUP councillor Darryn Causby, claimed the lord mayor took this course of action simply because “you do not like the motion”.

“You consulted party colleagues, not the chief executive or member services or the council solicitor and that is quite disgraceful,” said Mr Causby.

Sinn Fein councillor Liam Mackle commended the lord mayor’s decision, calling it a “very brave step”.

“This motion is a publicity stunt,” said Mr Mackle. “This motion was not intended to succeed it was intended to cause division.”

Councillor Mark Baxter then accused the mayor of an “abuse of power” and asked the chief executive when he had been informed of this decision and asked that legal advice could be sought.

SDLP councillor Joe Nelson described the motion as “ridiculous” and said the move politicised the leisure centre and sport in the borough.

DUP alderman Sydney Anderson then described the situation the chamber now found itself in as the “closing down of democracy within ABC council”.

“They talk of respect but what respect are they showing me and those who voted for me,” asked Mr Anderson. 

“I am deeply deeply offended tonight and advice needs to be taken to see if this is legal.”

Mr Baxter then said the lord mayor had allowed the meeting to “descend into chaos”.

“You have misused your standing orders and are out of order,” he said.  “If you don’t take this tonight, it will come back, this centre has never been named. You are abusing your power, it is a disgrace.”

Ulster Unionist Party councillor, alderman Kenneth Twyble, reminded the chamber why the centre has been referred to as the South Lake Leisure Centre.

“I remember the decision centred around the need to find a name not associated with Lurgan, Craigavon or Portadown,” he said.

He added that the South Lakes Leisure Centre “is a name I appreciate and am happy to be associated with”.

Council chief executive, Roger Wilson,said that he was made aware of the decision just as the meeting was beginning and as such, legal advice was not produced.

It is thought the decision to refuse a debate will be further challenged.