Alex Easton MLA has been left shocked at the number of outdoor fires deliberately started across North Down.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“I really am shocked at the answer to my NI Assembly Written question submitted. I knew there were some outdoor fierce recently but to see that 75 fires were deliberately started outdoors over a three month period is absolutely shocking and staggering.”

“My heart goes out to our local fire fighters who are having to go out there, on a regular bases and deal with these incidents; it is both unfair and is putting their lives on the line during ever callout.”

“I find it difficult to understand the mentality of someone wanting to start a fire deliberately it is an offence to do so and if caught those responsible will be in serious troub...

Alex Easton MLA has today called on the Health Minister to scrap car parking charges immediately for Health Staff.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“I have always said car parking charges for Health Staff are unfair, and it is time something was done about it. We have situation were the Trusts are charging staff to park at their places of work right across all Trusts. I believe this is totally unfair especially for the work they do on our behalf. No employer should ever charge staff to have to come to their work place, and to find a car parking space, which can’t even be guaranteed.”

“I am also concerned that some Health Staff are often having to park out on the streets and sometimes streets some distance away from their places of work as they can’t even get space at the...

Alex Easton MLA has been left deeply angered at the state of the footpaths in between Victoria Court and the Killaughey Road, Donaghadee, which is in a complete state of disrepair.

Speaking to day Alex Easton MLA said:

“I have been contacted by residents who are deeply frustrated at the state of the footpaths in which is widely used by parents taking their children and elderly residents living in Victoria. Having visited the area and seen at first hand the level of disrepair, and general state of the paths I would have to say I have not seen a pathway in such a mess!”

“I have contacted the Transport NI to demand a meeting to view the footpaths in the area and to see at first hand the state of this path which is unacceptable...

Alex Easton MLA has today called for Ards and North Down Council to clean up the Millisle paddling pool, after pictures were sent to him showing the area unkempt and dirty.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“I have received a complaint about the state of the paddling pool in Millisle that is covered in green algae and is actually dangerous to walk on, it is also a hazard for a children and adults who wish to use the paddling pool. I am urging the Council, to take action to clean the Millisle Paddling pool as a matter of urgency as they are starting to be used on a more regular basis, safety first must be our priority and keeping sites clean, it is not acceptable that this has been allowed to get into such a state.”

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Alex Easton MLA had today called on Ards and North Down Council to reopen Donaghadee, and Millisle recycling centres immediately, and for the Alliance Party to stop impeding this happening.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“The NI Executive has given the go ahead alongside the DEARA Minister to allow for recycling centres to open, the Council have opened Bangor, Comber and Newtownards but have let others stay closed, part of the reason seems to be that the Alliance Party is impeding Donaghadee and Millisle and others from fully opening by not attending a group leaders meeting at Council...

 Alex Easton MLA has today called for all slipways under the control of Ards and North Down Council to be cleaned.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“I have received a complaint about a slipway in Millisle that is very much covered in green algae and is actually dangerous to walk on, it is also a hazard for anyone wanting to use it to launch a boat down the slipway as a car can slide down the ramp because of the green algae and quickly go under. I am urging the Council, to take action to clean the slipways around North down as they are starting to be used on a more regular basis, safety first must be our priority.”

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Alex Easton MLA has welcomed the work starting on the new pedestrian crossings being constructed at the Chippendale Avenue junction on the Donaghadee Road, Bangor.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“I am so pleased, and very much welcome the news that works has started on the new pedestrian crossings at the Chippendale Avenue junction on the Donaghadee Road, Bangor. I and my colleague and others have campaigned for a pedestrian crossing at this location since 2001 when I first did a public petition from local residents and also a Notice of Motion put forward to council. This is to be welcomed with children and parents crossing at this point to attend Ballyholme Primary School and also local residents crossing to use the local shop...

Alex Easton MLA, Alderman Wesley Irvine and Councillor Janice MacArthur give a helping hand to clean up Ballyholme and Groomsport Beaches.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“I would like to say and pay tribute to the many residents and community organisations that regularly help to pick up litter left behind on our beaches; I applaud the work of everyone that help out especially in these difficult days that we are going through. Myself and Alderman Wesley Irvine and Councillor Janice MacArthur decided to help with this and did a beach clean-up on Friday, we wanted to put something back and give a helping hand to those that already do such a fantastic job.”

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Alex Easton MLA left shocked at the state of the Shore Road, Portaferry with a huge crater and a clear view of sea lapping below.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

I am amazed and bewildered to see such a huge hole in the road coming out of Portaferry, and another two also forming on the coastal road further down. There was no visible signage up coming up from the Portaferry end and the road was being used from both directions.

Alex Easton MLA has today condemned those responsible for starting a fire on the Coastal Path between Brompton and Sticklands Glen.

Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:

“Those responsible for starting a fire on the coastal path between Brompton and Strickland’s are to be condemned, their actions are one of sheer stupidity, and mindless actions that demonstrate no thought towards the safety of others and people’s property.”

“Fires are dangerous and can claim lives, they also cost the tax payers money as the fire services have to be called out, and this is a valuable resource which should not be taken for granted...