Alex Easton MLA has said the decision by the Royal British Legion to stop providing residential breaks at Bennet House in Portrush is a short-sighted decision.
Alex Easton MLA
The proportion of veterans per head of population here is higher than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. This, alongside the difficulty in accessing other services in Northern Ireland do not appear to have been taken into account, North Down itself has a huge veterans population.
Hundreds of people outside Bennet House just after Christmasand I have spoken with representative sof the Bangor British legion and I know the strength of feeling that exists and how greatly valued this facility has been, I have submitted a debate to the Northern Ireland Assembly and also a written question to the first minister office to see if anything can be done, I alsao wrote to Stephen Barnett the Assistant Director of Operations foer the British legion..
This announcement is not just bitterly disappointing for all those from across Northern Ireland who have served our country so bravely. It is a short-sighted and retrograde step from the Royal British Legion which I believe disadvantages people here.”
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