This would have included groups such as Positive Life, who had expressed interest in hosting regular, free-to-use HIV testing clinics across the borough, raising awareness of the condition and what help is available.

Cllr Skinner has said: “It’s incredibly disappointing to see the striking down of any attempt at making these facilities, that would often be sitting empty otherwise, easily accessible for charity organisations to provide invaluable services and resources to the people of our community.

“For other councillors to scupper the potential opportunities in terms of what we can offer ratepayers here, and to reject the benefits that could be drawn from what these organisations are proposing, is short-sighted and ill-advised.

“The people of Mid and East Antrim deserve better. Alliance will continue advocating for ratepayers here and their ability to access vital services and resources that stand to greatly improve their quality of life.”