Portrush community lit up as Christmas tree event gets go ahead

A Portrush community has raised money to hold its own Christmas light switch-on

A Portrush community that raised money to hold its own Christmas tree lights switch-on after the town's was cancelled is ringing the bells after being told the event could go ahead despite insurance concerns.

The residents of Dhu Varren were disappointed when they were told they did not have a required licence to hold the event on Housing Executive property.

This came after they paid almost £1,000 towards a tree, that was due to be be lit up on Monday.

However, after support from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, fire service and politicians, the event will now go ahead as planned - leaving one of the main organisers "lost for words".

'So many obstacles'

Organiser Leeanne Montgomery says the process has been "stressful"

Leeanne Montgomery, local resident and one of the organisers, said it had been "stressful".

"We were faced with so many obstacles; two councillors were brilliant in helping us," she said.

"It gives us the power to make Dhu Varren a bigger and better place."

Independent unionist assembly member Claire Sugden told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme that it was "incredible" that the residents organised their own event.

"Dhu Varren is an area of social deprivation, they don't often get much."

Ms Montgomery and the residents of Dhu Varren took action after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council announced the annual Portrush Christmas tree switch-on event would be cancelled due to stormy weather.

They asked the council if it would donate a tree to the estate for their own event - the council obliged on the condition residents paid £900 towards the tree.

After crowdfunding the required amount, residents aimed to hold an event on Monday 23 December for the grand switch-on.

Insurance mix-up

However, the event was derailed when the Housing Executive said it could not give the community a temporary licence to hold the event.

It said temporary licences, which are needed to fulfil health and safety, and insurance requirements, can only be given to "constituted organisations".

Ms Montgomery said residents paid for insurance out of their own pocket but it was "the wrong type" - and the event looked likely to axed.

However, with the support of bodies including the police, fire service and Causeway Coast and Glens council, Dhu Varren will get to hold its Christmas event.

PSNI Supt McIldowney told BBC News NI that local officers "work closely with those involved in these types of community safety events, to ensure they are safe and enjoyed by participants and spectators" and that officers will be in attendance on Monday.

Clive Lowry of the NI Fire and Rescue Service said it would also be supporting the Housing Executive and residents in putting on the event.

"I am personally very proud of the Dhu Varren community members who have done so much work to bring about this community event," he added.

Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Richard Stewart said he was "absolutely thrilled that the council and PSNI have engaged with the Housing Executive to get this event to go ahead".

"So much work has been put in," he added.

For Ms Montgomery, it's a relief - although the residents did have a plan B up their Christmas sleeve.

"We were going to let people drive up the estate for two hours and pass presents through the car windows," she said.