Campaigners express serious concern over NRC future plans

HUNDREDS of Ballymoney campaigners have vowed to fight tooth and nail to save one of the borough's oldest education establishments.

Since the news was revealed of the possible closure of the Northern Regional College’s Ballymoney Campus, the Times has been inundated with complaints and expressions of concern from politicians, councillors, business people and the general public.

Last week the Ballymoney and Moyle Times exclusively revealed online NRC’s Business Improvement Plan for 2010-2016 which was released for consultation.

Phase 3 of its plan from period 2014 to 2016, if agreed, states that ‘the current buildings in Coleraine and Ballymoney are to be replaced by one new building in the Coleraine area.’

Having just had sight of the consultation document Mayor Frank Campbell hit out: “When the idea of closing Ballymoney and Coleraine Campuses in favour of a new Greenfield option in Coleraine was first mooted in 2004 my Council was unanimous in their opposition to this move and resolved to oppose it.

“At that time we had the support of many sectors in Ballymoney and our neighbouring Council in Moyle also lend their support to our case. We were very disappointed at that time that of the several options considered new build option in Ballymoney was not one of them. I will be seeking to ensure that the new proposals are rigorously examined and that Ballymoney is not disadvantaged.”