Councillor proposes Freedom of the Borough for Prison Service staff

A CAUSEWAY Coast and Glens Councillor has proposed recognising the Northern Ireland Prison Service with the Freedom of the Borough.

Though a debate on the award has yet to be scheduled, details of a Notice of Motion tabled by the DUP’s Aaron Callan were shared with members of the Commemorations and Celebrations sub-committee on Wednesday evening.

That’s because councillors are being asked to reconsider existing arrangements for conferring Freedom of the Borough.

In 2019 it was agreed that a single ceremony should be held in each four-year council term for up to four recipients.

These arrangements were disrupted in 2024 when, just one year into the current term, health service staff were honoured at Coleraine Town Hall for their work during Covid.

During Wednesday’s meeting further concerns were raised over potential delays in awarding the accolade up to three years after it was conferred.

Chair Michelle Knight McQuillan joked that the next Olympic Games would almost be upon us when rower Hannah Scott – cited for her gold medal-wining performance last year – actually received her honour.

Members agreed they would discuss the arrangements with party colleagues and agree proposed changes in October.

Full story in this week's Northern Constitution.