Limavady Show ‘could fold’- councillor warns

COUNTY Londonderry’s only agricultural show at Aghanloo near Limavady “could fold” if organisers aren’t given support from Causeway Coast and Glens Council.

The warning was delivered by DUP’s Aaron Callan after councillors met to endorse this year’s funding package for non-council organised events.

Last month a list of 10 recipients was approved at committee level. The County Londonderry Agricultural Show was the only event whose application failed.

During the committee meeting it was explained that successful applications depended on the event taking place over at least two days and organisers had to demonstrate how they will promote the Borough as a tourism destination through branding and marketing activities.

When the full council met last Tuesday Alderman Callan suggested the show’s omission painted the council in a negative light.

“Given that it’s the only agricultural show in the county, I think it’s something we need to revisit as a council,” he added. “We need to examine what we can do to support the event going forward.

“What I would request is if the director would go away and look at what operational support could be provided going forward just to give the reassurance that they do have the council’s support.

“Because it’s been picked up in the press that they aren’t getting any funding and that reinforces a negative view of the council.

“They do have a fear that in the next couple of years the event could fold if they don’t get additional support from the council.”

Full story in this week's Northern Constitution.