Could people soon have to pay to walk on Benone beach?

UUC councillor Leslie Cubitt says money generated by an admission charge to gain access onto the Limavady Borough beach during the peak season could subsidise the rates. The issue was raised at last week's Department of Development meeting where the "pros and cons" of a vehicle charge were being evaluated. The SDLP voted alongside the Unionist bloc to investigate the implication of a fee, whilst Sinn Fein expressed "outrage" at the proposal. The DUP abstained from voting.

Councillor Cubitt told the Sentinel: "I would be in favour of such a charge. For a start it could go towards subsidising our rates, it could also go towards paying our staff and putting more bins on the beach.

"This year on one sunny day I counted 1500 cars on the beach. And these were not just from the area, but from as far as Belfast, Donegal, Down. I think by imposing a charge of 1 per vehicle, from the hours of 9am to 6pm during the peak season, the money used would benefit both the area and the beach."

A councillors' vote of seven to six means council will now look seriously at implementing the fee.

Sinn Fin councillor Cathal hOisn says his party will fight the proposal "all the way". His rejection vote was seconded by party colleague Paddy Butcher

Mr hOisn said: "This is a tax on our natural heritage. As far as Sinn Fin is concerned we are not even prepared to discuss the matter let alone contemplate it. The opposition's parallel to parking fees on Portstewart strand is a red herring. That beach is managed by the National Trust whose main source of income is admission fees to the estates they manage. There isn't a single council controlled beach in the North that charges admission fees and Sinn Fin will make sure Limavady Borough council is not the first. We will fight this all the way. My colleague Paddy Butcher who represents us in Magilligan blocked the original move to introduce admission fees when it was first suggested in March 2007. The SDLP supported us at that time and now that they have down a U turn and voted with the Unionists frankly beggars' belief."