Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim, John Stewart, has asked Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, for support for sports and social clubs that have not received any financial help from the Executive to see them through lockdown.
John Stewart MLA said:
“I am aware of golf, cricket, bowling, pigeon and other sports and social clubs in my constituency that have had to close their premises over the past months of restrictions and have had little or no financial help to get them through to the other side of this pandemic.
“They are such an important part of our social fabric, playing a vital role in both physical and mental health, run in the most part by dedicated volunteers, but are businesses none the less. Therefore, they should be entitled to the same level of support as other business in the hospitality sector.
“There remains confusion and ambiguity about whether sports and social clubs are eligible for the LRSS grant. I am aware of clubs who have either been turned down or have not received any decisions on their applications. However, at the same time some have successfully applied for the LRSS.
“I have written to Minister Murphy asking for clarity and a definitive answer on this. Without urgent support, many clubs will not be able to open their doors again when we get to the other side of lockdown.”