ARDS and North Down Council has been urged to put ‘Christ’ back into Christmas by allowing West Winds Community Church to worship in the community centre on Christmas Day.
The church had the use of West Winds Community Centre – which has been their place of worship for some years – on December 25 last year, but the council has confirmed this went against council policy and they have refused to let the church use it again this year.
West Winds Community Church is a ‘church plant’ sent from St Mark’s Church of Ireland in the centre of Newtownards. Rev. Stephen Doherty conducts services at West Winds Community Church and is leading the campaign against the council’s decision.
“After permitting us to hire the local community centre last year – following strict and expensive conditions – the council have refused us permission to hire this facility for our Christmas Day service,” Mr Doherty said.
“To say I’m outraged is an understatement.”
He said he fully understood staff were entitled to their public holidays, but that the council permitted the centre to be hired on other public holidays under their terms of extenuating circumstances.
Mr Doherty said the hiring of community facilities was a public service. “Some staff are willing to work these public holidays, rightly earning extra money, which we the user pay for, and we have found one of these caretakers,” he said.
“My greater concern is we find ourselves asking permission to book council property to worship on one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar under ‘extenuating circumstances’, which was still refused.”
He called on every councillor to ‘step up’ to have this decision overturned.
Newtownards councillor Steven Irvine pledged his full support for West Winds Community Church, adding he was ‘deeply disappointed’ they had been refused permission to hire the community centre for their Christmas Day service this year despite meeting the same strict conditions previously required.
“Like many in our community I understand the importance of respecting staff rights and public holidays, but I also know there are workable solutions especially for occasions of genuine community and spiritual significance,” Mr Irvine said.
“Christian worship on Christmas Day should never be classified as extenuating circumstances.”
Highlighting Christmas Day was one of the most important days in the Christian calendar, he said many residents gathering together was an essential part of their wellbeing and faith life.
“I am beyond words at this decision but I refuse to stay silent,” Mr Irvine added. “Our community deserves fairness, consistency and respect for its faith groups.”
A spokeswoman for the council explained it was policy that all council facilities close on December 25.
“In 2024, the West Winds community centre in Newtownards was opened following instruction; however this was in breach of the council’s ,policy” she admitted.
She said the council is committed to supporting all users and continuously reviewing how it partners with communities.
“We recognise the important role that community centres play in bringing people together, and we want to ensure that our approach reflects the needs of local groups,” she said.
The council, she explained, had recently appointed an independent consultant to review the operation of community centres and halls. This review will include considerations around opening arrangements on bank and public holidays and will involve consultation with community groups and stakeholders.
She said the council believes the findings will help shape a future strategy that balances accessibility, safety and sustainability.
“Ards and North Down Borough Council values the strong partnerships we have with local communities and looks forward to working together to develop a strategy that supports vibrant, inclusive spaces for everyone,” she concluded.
