£21,600 bid wins Benone Beach trading rights

As the retrospective approval was agreed by members, many raised issues about trading at Benone beach. The contract was won by to ice cream vendor, Mr R Carton, who placed a bid of £18,000 plus vat (£21,600) per year to trade at the site for the next three years.

Limavady SDLP councillor Gerry Mullan said he was happy to support the approval, but he questioned whether the ice cream vendor could facilitate all of the visitors using the beach.

“He would be failing to provide an adequate service with one van,” said cllr Mullan.

Chief Executive David Jackson said that he had been on the beach over the busy Easter period and had observed ice cream sales. He reassured members that there was no pressure on the vendor.

Director of Environmental Services Aidan McPeak advised members that the vendor had the use of three vans. “He’s paid for the site, it is up to him how he maximises his revenue,” he said.

Coleraine PUP councillor Russell Watton noted that the issue had already been debated at a previous meeting, he said: “It is too much for one person. This was a mistake for the start,” he said.

Coleraine DUP Alderman Sam Cole raised the issue of sub contracting, he said: “ I am concerned that one vendor will make money, this is grossly unfair,” he said.

Mr McPeak told the meeting that anyone who was subcontracted by a vendor had to meet the same strict criteria laid out by Council.

Limavady Sinn Fein councillor Tony McCaul noted the money that Mr Carton had paid for the right to sell ice cream at the beach, and asked how Benone beach would be policed to ensure that other vendors were not trading.

Mr McPeak said that enforcement officers would be patrolling areas across the Borough.