Barr family say Strabane bridge name controversy should not have financial cost for the town

The family of the late Strabane Councillor Ivan Barr has said they do not want the controversy over plans to name a new footbridge in his honour to have a financial implication for the town.
Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey has rejected a bid to have the new bridge named the Ivan Barr Bridge, saying guidelines make it clear that it should not be named after anyone with political affiliations.
However, when councillors were asked to submit a shortlist of names, that list contained just one name, that of Ivan Barr.
Now, Mr Storey is threatening to withhold more than £1m in grant funding.
Sinn Fein Cllr Karina Carlin is backing the family’s stance.