Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has begun a public consultation on a proposal to install a plaque at Portrush Town Hall commemorating Mark Ashton, a Portrush native known for his work on LGBT rights and support for mining communities during the 1984-85 miners' strike.

The council is seeking views on a Draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) prepared in accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The assessment examines how the plaque might affect equality of opportunity and good relations.

The proposed plaque would be placed inside Portrush Town Hall, with the exact location to be determined based on space, accessibility and practical considerations. The wording for the plaque is included in the consultation report, though the council has not released the exact text publicly.

Mark Ashton's life was depicted in the 2014 film 'Pride' and a subsequent West End musical, which brought wider attention to his role in the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign during the miners' strike.

The council is particularly interested in feedback on the equality and good relations impacts identified in the draft assessment, any additional impacts not considered, relevant personal experience, and suggestions for strengthening the positive contribution of the plaque.

Responses can be submitted through an online survey, by post to the council offices in Coleraine, or by email. Paper copies of the questionnaire are available on request. The consultation closes on January 15, 2027.

After the consultation period, all responses will be reviewed and the EQIA updated before a final report is presented to the council for a decision on whether to proceed with the plaque.