Borough Life // June 2021

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RESIDENTS’ MAGAZINE

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June 2021

NI CENTENARY

Commemorating 100 years of Northern Ireland

£1.14M MORE INVESTMENT

New Fitness Suite for Antrim Forum

2021

ANBorough


SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SHOP LOCAL

Visit antrimandnewtownabb A or Follow Us

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Time Coffee House, Ballyclare

bey.gov.uk/BackInBusiness ANBackinBusiness

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Your Council: How to Contact Us antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk T. 028 9446 3113 T. 028 9034 0000 Textphone 18001 028 9034 0000

Get more connected with our ANBorough app available for download on the app store

Look up your street name to check your bin collection dates using our bin checker

The Planning section of the Council can be contacted on T. 0300 123 6677

Follow us on social media: Social media is a great way to keep up to date with Council news and events and you can also report anything that you need our help with. Follow us on Twitter @ANBorough Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ANBorough For jobs in the Borough visit www.facebook.com/ANBoroughJobs

Find out about the Council facilities near you Join our leisure membership. Book your class or course online. Check how to contact your local Councillor online Pay your dog licence, request a bulky waste collection or submit your building control applications Report a complaint online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/report

Follow our Instagram Page at www.instagram.com/ANBorough

Have your say

Please contact us if you require this magazine in an alternative format. DRAFT CORPOR ATE RECOVE RY PLAN

2021-23

We recently published our Draft Corporate Recovery Plan and welcome your feedback. The Plan is our roadmap, to make sure we rejuvenate our places, support our people and re-build for prosperity. It details our ambitious plan for recovery and renewal across the Borough.

We would love your feedback on the priorities which we have identified in this Plan.

To take part please visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/surveys Closing date is Monday 19 July 2021.

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The magazine is delivered to postal areas BT29, BT36, BT37, BT39, BT41 and our residents in BT38. If it is not delivered to any of your neighbours living in these areas, please let us know. If you have any comments on the magazine please contact us. Communications and Customer Services Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council 50 Stiles Way, Antrim, BT41 2UB T. 028 9446 3113 E. comms@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk Printed on FSC accredited material © Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council


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Let’s do Business Together

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New Mayor of the Borough

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Ready for a Summer of Fun?

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Over £1.2 Million MORE investment

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Discover Antrim and Newtownabbey

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It’s Almost Showtime

Mayor’s Message Welcome to the summer edition of Borough Life, our residents’ magazine which keeps you up to date with Council news and events. I am honoured to have been appointed the new Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey for the 2021-22 term and I am looking forward to spending the next 12 months serving the Borough. In this issue, we have lots of great news stories to share with you, including new businesses which have recently opened in the Borough, as well as programmes and initiatives available to our businesses and not forgetting nearly £1.2million investment in our leisure facilities. Our NI Centenary programme continues, marking 100 years of Northern Ireland and there are lots for you to get involved in, so check out pages 12 & 13 for more information. We have a fantastic line up of events this summer and in particular, One Giant Weekend which will be filled with fun activities for all, see pages 14 and 15 for details. I am delighted the curtains will once again open in our fabulous theatres this summer and our exciting new programme of shows awaits. See pages 26 & 27 for details. I hope you all have an enjoyable summer and life for all of us returns to normality.

Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

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Airtastic comes to Newtownabbey We have exciting news for all of the kids this summer! Creating 60 new jobs for the local area and sporting nearly 50,000sq ft of leisure under one roof, we are delighted to welcome Airtastic to the Borough. Following £2.5million investment in the former ToysRUs building on Mill Road, Airtastic Newtownabbey will be one of the largest multi activity leisure destinations in the whole of the UK and Ireland with entertainment activities for all ages. The facility boasts an extensive Inflata Park, 12 lane Bowling Alley featuring the latest bowling technology, space themed 18-hole Adventure Golf, Amusements Arcade and not forgetting the NY Kitchen where kids can celebrate their birthday parties and enjoy delicious food in style. The restaurant is also open to the public, so make sure you pop in for a bite to eat next time you are in the area. Later this summer, this fantastic new addition to the Borough will also be home to a brand-new soft play centre, featuring a huge play frame with exciting slides, crawl tubes and obstacles as well as learn through play areas, toddler area and stylish party rooms. Combined with the other four Airtastic centres located in Bangor, Belfast, Craigavon and Cork, Airtastic is now one of the largest leisure operators across the island of Ireland providing the best entertainment to a wide range of customers of all ages.

For further information visit Air-tastic.com

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Business & Jobs

Dobbies to Bloom in Antrim We are delighted to announce the UK garden centre retailer, Dobbies will be opening its second store in Northern Ireland at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim. Set to open in spring 2023, the £10m investment in the 110,000sq foot unit will be one of the largest in the company’s portfolio of 73 UK stores. Estimating to attract more than one million visitors each year, the store will feature extensive gardening

products, books, toys, gifts and seasonal items as well as a food hall, restaurant, pet department and cookshop. Creating 150 new jobs for the local area, this will be a great addition for all the green fingered residents and visitors to the Borough. It will also contribute to a great day out in the local area, complementing the nearby visitor attractions such as the majestic Antrim Castle Gardens.

Ashers Bakery on the Rise There’s great news for local bakery, Ashers who has announced they will be opening a new food production facility to complement their current store in Newtownabbey. The new 30,000sq foot site is located on the Doagh Road and plans to be operational next year. The new premises will allow them to focus on growing their production and in particular, target the export markets of Ireland and UK mainland. This will have fantastic benefits for the local economy including the creation of over 40 new jobs.

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Let’s do Business Together We have lots of fantastic initiatives and programmes available for businesses across the Borough to support them and help them to adapt and grow.

If you own a business in the Borough and would like to know more about the support available, text BUSINESS to 80039, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/business or E. business@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk.

Business Growth Programme Following the success of our previous Business Growth Programme, we are delighted to launch this next phase of the Optimal programme. This new one-to-one business mentoring and support programme aims to create at least 155 jobs and sustain at least 50 jobs by 30 September 2023, making our Borough a more prosperous place to work, live and visit. Businesses have had to adapt over this past year and we want to support you in this process. If you have less than 50 full-time employees and are a business or social enterprise based within the Borough, the Optimal business growth programme offers support through mentoring, workshops and networking.

So if you own a business or run a social enterprise and would like to know more about this free support, text BUSINESS to 80039, visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/business or E. business@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk. This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.

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Give your Business a Digital Boost The new Digital Transformation Programme will help businesses enhance their productivity by incorporating digital technologies into their businesses. Set to support over 1000 businesses, the programme will be facilitated by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on behalf of Northern Ireland’s 11 Councils through a range of workshops and one-to-one mentoring. The workshops will show businesses how they can adopt existing and proven technologies to help them transform their business models, improve productivity and create value for customers and will appeal to businesses in all sectors. It will provide a platform for businesses to understand the digital options available to them and help them to plan their next steps in their digital journey. The project will help businesses create value for their customers in an increasingly competitive economy.

To express an interest in this future programme of support text BUSINESS DIGITAL to 80039 or E. business@antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk. The Digital Transformation Programme is part funded by the 11 Councils of Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.


Business & Jobs

Job Start Scheme

Support for Rural Businesses

The Job Start Scheme provides funding to create new job opportunities for 16 to 24 year olds who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

If you are an existing small business in a rural area of the Borough, you may be eligible for funding under the upcoming Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. Following the success of our last Scheme, which helped over 20 rural businesses through £85k of grants, we hope to launch this new Scheme in July. The grants will support businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees to recover from the pandemic and improve sustainability or develop and grow their business. With potential funding of up to £4,999 available at a 50% grant rate for capital equipment eg. machinery, computers or office equipment, this could be a great opportunity to invest in your business.

• 100% of the National Minimum Wage or the

National Living Wage (depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months (or 9 months for a young person who meets additional criteria)

• associated employer National Insurance contributions

• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

Employers can stagger the start dates of the job opportunities up until the end of March 2022.

More details on the scheme, including the application pack are available from www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/applyjobstart-scheme-funding

If you’re not sure whether you’re based in a rural area, or if you’d like to discuss your project idea or register for a workshop, text BUSINESS RURAL to 80039 or E. grow@antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk This Scheme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs’ Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.

Workforce Covid-19 Testing Organisations with ten or more employees or volunteers who can’t work from home are now able to access the workforce asymptomatic testing programme delivered by The Department of Health. This is to establish an Assisted Testing Site or Workplace Collect model. If you are a business with ten or less employees who can’t work from home, you can also get access to rapid tests.

Further information on workforce testing is available via www.health-ni.gov.uk/ workforce-testing Ooh & Aah, Ballyclare

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New Mayor of the Borough

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Stephen Ross

The Mayor is the First Citizen of the Borough and is elected every year by fellow Councillors. At this year’s annual meeting on 1 June, Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP was elected Mayor. Councillor Webb has served the Borough since 1997 and as a retired Senior Civil Servant, he has brought his experience in Finance, HR and Management into his role as a Councillor. He was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2015 for services to local goverment and the community. Councillor Stephen Ross was elected as Deputy Mayor and will support the Mayor during his time in office. Councillor Ross was first elected to Council in 2014 and works in his party’s local constituency office in Glengormley. The office of Mayor is a very busy one, supporting all aspects of life in Antrim and Newtownabbey. As well as carrying out a range of duties and responsibilities, the Mayor attends community and business events and receives distinguished visitors to the Borough. The Mayor is also responsible for promoting the Borough as an excellent place to live, do business and visit.

Mayor’s Charities One of the privileges of serving as Mayor is the opportunity to support local charities and this year the Mayor will be lending his support to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Women’s Aid ABCLN (Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey). Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice provide specialist respite, symptom management and end of life palliative care to over 370 infants, children and young people living with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. Women’s Aid ABCLN provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse. They work to create a society where women and children can live free from the fear or threat of abuse.

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Community

Community and School Uniform Re-use Scheme We are delighted to announce that our School Uniform Re-Use Scheme will return this year across the Borough. The following drop off locations will accept donations from Wednesday 30 June until Friday 9 July.

Community

Schools

First Antrim Presbyterian Church

Riverside School (Antrim)

St Johns Church Hall, Doagh Road, Ballyclare

Doagh Primary School

Crumlin Community Hub

Abbey Community College

Carnmoney Presbyterian Church Uniform Bank

Belfast High School

Dunanney Centre Rathcoole: School Uniform Scheme

Hill Croft School

Monkstown Village Centre – (Entrance Between Tesco Express And Mauds) Randalstown Arches – Unit 2 Arches Mews Tidal Toome - Toome House Whiteabbey Community Centre Fitmoms & Kids (Glengormley) Barron Hall - Community Relations Forum (Glengormley)

• Please note individual schemes will also run their own hours and times so please check with them directly prior to collection or drop off • All donations should be in good condition, washed and cleaned prior to drop off. In some cases a donation or small charge may be applied (each scheme will advise) • Uniforms will be available for collection across the summer period. Please contact the scheme in your area to arrange this. Many schemes operate on an appointment only basis.

For more details please visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/uniform

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Northern Ireland Centenary 2021 is a significant year in the history of the place we call home, marking 100 years since the formation of Northern Ireland. Earlier this year the Council was awarded £94,600 from the Shared History Fund – a fund of £1million provided by the NI Office and administered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for groups and organisations to deliver events across the UK to mark the centenary. This funding will support the Council’s Commemorative programme ‘A Country’s Centenary for Our Community’. There is no doubt that people make places and as part of the Council’s 2021 Centenary programme, we want to recognise the contribution made to the Borough and Northern Ireland by engaging all of the community in a range of projects which can tell our story in an inclusive manner.

Be Part of our Commemorative Programme We are asking you, our residents, to be part of our Commemorative Programme and support us to create a legacy for future generations. Help us build a Centenary Collection which will tell the story of the last 100 years featuring treasured objects, their story and their place in a shared past.

Do you have a special object or possession that relates to any time period between 1921 and today, something that perhaps has been handed down through many generations of your family? This can be anything from a painting, a sports medal, a war medal, an ornament or item of clothing, a factory clock in card or an item of print. If you think this could be part of or Centenary Collections, we would love to hear from you. As a lasting legacy of the project, all the items and their stories will feature in a catalogue of the Centenary Collection along with an acknowledgement of all the contributors, including

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original owners be they living or passed away, so future generations can understand who we were in 2021.

We are asking all age groups to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboards and tell us what your feelings are about Northern Ireland over the past 100 years. You may prefer to express your hopes for the future either personally, for your family, your community or this place. Participants are encouraged to use the medium of poetry and verse if they wish. The shared historical experience over the past 100 years has very different narratives and memories and through this project there is a hope to achieve greater mutual understanding and respect among citizens from different traditions. We hope to display as many of these scripts as possible across our Borough, in our parks, open spaces, greenways and within the heart of our communities so they can be shared by all and allow for thoughtful reflection.

Centenary Citizens Northern Ireland is renowned for the big hearted spirit of it’s people. We want to take the opportunity presented by the Centenary to highlight and recognise the ‘unsung heroes’ of our Borough who have made a positive contribution to community life. Do you know someone who is perhaps no longer with us or someone very much at the heart of our community who deserve the accolade of ‘Centenary Citizen’? If so please nominate, so we can identify our unsung heroes and the people that have shaped our place!

For details of how to get involved in the many different projects visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ nicentenary This programme is supported by the Northern Ireland Office’s Shared History Fund through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.


Community

For the Centenary Collection former Mayor, Councillor Jim Montgomery contributed a painting of the Barbican Gate in Antrim which is particularly special to him as it was painted by his former teacher, Mr Harry Boyd from Parkhall School.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

As part of our Northern Ireland Centenary programme we are delighted to bring you One Giant Weekend of events for all age groups, friends and families from Friday 3 – Sunday 5 September. Showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland’s music, culture, tastes and traditions of the place we all call home! In partnership with LCC Group, our One Giant Weekend is free and jam-packed full of fun and festivity across the Council’s iconic venues. Kick-

starting the programme at the vibrant V36 at the Valley, where the younger audience will be rocking to the music, to Antrim Castle Gardens for an outdoor picnic of vintage vibes for a lazy Saturday afternoon and the Cultural Colours Mela to showcase the diversity of our community. We bring the curtain down on an amazing weekend at Mossley Mill including Theatre at The Mill where the traditions of linen and wool and our amazing craft talents will delight and bring the fantastic three days to a close!

Keep an eye on our social media pages or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/OneGiantWeekend for further updates 14

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Section Friday 3 September A Giant Evening V36 at the Valley Our main stage will showcase the best of new musical talent from our Borough and further afield, featuring Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network (NACN) Jordan Walker – Singer, composer and support artist for Louise Redknapp, Sam Bailey and Shane Filan Jordan Adetunji and band – Irish Hip-Hop

Saturday 4 September (Evening) An Unlikely Alliance – When Edward Carson met Lady Massereene Antrim Castle Gardens A never before told story of the unusual friendship between Sir Edward Carson and Lady Jean Massereene will be staged in the stunning backdrop of the Antrim Castle ruins. This unique and specially commissioned performance has been produced and created by local writer Michael Cameron and historian Lyndsy Spence.

V36 will also host a wide range of family entertainment including a food village to provide a memorable Giant Evening which will go off with a bang as a firework finale lights up the night sky!

Sunday 5 September Cultural Colours Mela Antrim Castle Gardens

Saturday 4 September A Giant Picnic Antrim Castle Gardens

In partnership with Antrim Festival Group, Cultural Colours Mela will be a fantastic afternoon of community celebration showcasing the rich diversity of who we are today with acts and attractions representative of our whole community.

In the stunning setting of the award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens, a leisurely afternoon can be spent with live performances on stage and the Parterre Gardens. Relax and enjoy the vintage vibe by Armagh Rhymers – One of the most celebrated traditional music and theatre ensembles Jordan Walker – Singer composer and support artist for Louise Redknapp, Sam Bailey and Shane Filan. Bjorn Identity – No.1 Abba Tribute Show Northern Ireland Opera & Ronnie Greer – Blues & Jazz Don’t miss the Garden Show Ireland showcase, a festival of food and flowers planned to return in 2022, as part of A Giant Picnic. Local culinary delights will be plentiful in the food village and the heritage and industrial past of Northern Ireland will be on display throughout the beautiful grounds.

Sunday 5 September Spinning Yarns Theatre at The Mill and Mossley Mill Where else can you celebrate the linen story of Northern Ireland, other than the marvellous Mossley Mill, a restoration of a 19th Century linen mill where culture meets character! Spinning Yarns - A Giant craft event, celebrating all things associated with Linen and Wool and a showcase of fantastic Northern Irish craft.

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Ready for a Summer of Fun? We have a summer spectacular lined up for you this year with our fabulous programme of summer events. There are lots of opportunities for family days out to keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays. Keep an eye on our social media pages or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events for more information.

The Panoramic Wheel and Park

Taste and Sea

Antrim Market Square & Jordanstown Loughshore Park

June – September Whiteabbey Village

This is a must-see experience for all the family to take in some breath-taking views of our beautiful Borough. Currently in Antrim Town, the Big Wheel will move to Jordanstown Loughshore Park from mid-August until the end of September, where it will be complemented by the Panoramic Park from 9 July – a series of funfair attractions in the bowl area!

Taste and Sea what’s on offer in Whiteabbey and Jordanstown Loughshore Park this summer! This summer series of family events will be a great day out, including artisan food markets, a Kite Festival, Sand Sculptures and treasure trails, along with special deals and offers from local retailers. Don’t forget to sample the scenery on the Panoramic Wheel during your visit.

Fridays throughout July & August Lilian Bland Community Park Brighter Nights return every Friday evening from 2 July to 27 August with a different theme each week. Join us for some fun filled evenings for all the family.

Virtual Summer Schemes Weekdays 9.30am – 3.30pm 5 July – 27 August

Antrim Food Festival

Keep the kids entertained this summer with our virtual summer schemes! We have lots in store this year including Theatre, Sport, Arts & Culture, Physical Activity and Education. As the sessions are online, you will be able to access them at a time that suits you and what’s even better is, they are completely FREE!

Castle Mall and The Junction present this brand new three day Craft and Food Festival with a ‘Tastes of the World’ theme at multiple venues across Antrim. This event is part of the Council’s Back in Business initiative, to support local businesses and their recovery.

16 – 18 July

Urban Markets Various dates and locations Join in the buzz of our urban markets this summer where there will be craft and food galore. Live music, walk about characters, street performers, petting farms and face painters will make these a great a day out for all the family.

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Leisure & Lifestyle

28 July – 1 August Massereene Golf Club Presented by Modest! Golf, this is one of the most innovative events in world golf. Two separate tournaments (men & women), compete on the same courses at the same time and for the same level of prize money in this first of its kind event in the Northern Hemisphere. A tri-sanctioned event between the European Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour. For details including ticket information visit www.worldinvitational.golf

Summer Sunday Music Sundays throughout July & August Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Antrim Castle Gardens, The Gateway (Antrim) and V36 at the Valley Returning every Sunday from 4 July – 29 August, this is the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon! Enjoy these free outdoor music concerts showcasing the best of our local talent including jazz, blues, accordion, pipe, silver and brass bands.

Open Air Theatre July & August Civic Square at Mossley Mill

Antrim and Newtownabbey Pipe Band Festival

Join us for some open-air music, comedy and drama performances. This super summer series is set to begin on Friday 30 July with weekly headline acts including The Illegals, Comedian Neil Delamere, Musical Maestro Peter Corry, Flash Harry, Elvis Spectacular and much more.

7 August Antrim Castle Gardens With the unmistakable skirl of the Highland pipes and a tapestry of tartan, this is a musical spectacular to behold.

For more details visit theatreatthemill.com

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

8 August Antrim Castle Gardens Bring your party to our Party at Antrim Castle Gardens on Sunday 8 August, the perfect day out for both young and old alike. This event is not to be missed with hours of fabulous music and family fun. Also featuring special concert by Jake Carter, brother of Nathan Carter in partnership with the Antrim Festival Group.

3 – 5 September Borough Wide Clear your diaries for One Giant Weekend – a three-day festival of fun as part of our Centenary of Northern Ireland commemorative programme. Events will take place at iconic sites across our Borough, showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland’s music, culture, tastes and Borough Life June 2021 traditions of the place we all | call 17 home! – it would be One Big Mistake to miss it! See pages 14 &15 for full programme.

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Over £1.2million Investment in Fitness Residents will soon be able to get MORE active, MORE often in a new state-of-the-art fitness facility at Antrim Forum. The current fitness suite will be undergoing a major refurbishment including brand new equipment with an investment of nearly £1.2million. Plans are in place to open in spring 2022.

suite improvement works in the Valley Leisure Centre which included an expansion of the free weights area, new flooring and lots more equipment to help customers to get MORE active. The functional training zone has been created by local company, BLKBOX featuring a cutting edge design.

Enjoy the latest fitness technology including a mixture of cardiovascular and resistance machines, a world class strength and conditioning area as well as a new rig and functional training zone.

For more information on our leisure facilities or to keep up to date with the latest news visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ leisure or follow us on social media @ANBorough

This follows the recent investment of £100k in fitness

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Leisure & Lifestyle

Calling all Football Fanatics There’s great news for the football fanatics in our Borough. Following investment of £150k, a number of the 3G pitches at the Valley Leisure Centre have undergone refurbishment. The resurfacing of these football pitches has improved the overall look and feel of the facility, encouraging you to get on the ball and get MORE Active, MORE Often. Football is a great team sport and as well as having lots of health benefits, this improvement work offers many sporting opportunities for young people right through to seniors.

For more information on the Council’s leisure facilities visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/leisure

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Get Active… Together Our fitness classes are a fun and fantastic way to enjoy exercise. From Zumba to Yoga and everything in between, they are a great way for you to get MORE active, MORE often. Classes are a great way of getting fit and keeping fit, but there are also lots of social benefits too. Our top class instructors get you motivated and will help you achieve your goals whatever they may be. They are also a great activity to do with family and friends, as well as being the perfect place to meet new people and socialise. Our classes are bookable, 7 days in advance and are included in our monthly MORE membership.

For more information on our classes including timetables and to book, or to find out about our membership options visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/leisure

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Leisure & Lifestyle

for all the Family Summer holidays are here and now is the time to make plans to keep the family entertained. Our MORE leisure membership is a great way of getting MORE Active, MORE Often and as restrictions ease, we have MORE activities on offer for you to enjoy with your family. For £39* per month, our family

membership covers two adults and unlimited under 18s from the same household. Here’s what you and your family can enjoy:

• • • • •

swimming pools fitness suites (13 years+) spa (16 years+) racquet sports soft play (for children in a family membership)

• running track (individual use) • adult classes • children’s classes *Ts and Cs apply. Facilities vary by leisure centre and some activities may be suspended under current government guidelines. We regularly update our website and social media channels to reflect the changes to the restrictions. Make sure you follow us @ANBorough to keep up to date.

For more details or to join online visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/leisure or E. more@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

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Please Pick it Up! It’s fantastic to see so many residents enjoying our parks and open spaces. Thank you to everyone who continues to play their part in keeping our Borough beautiful. Sadly, some people think it’s ok to throw their litter down or to not pick up after their dog but this selfish behaviour shows a lack of respect for all the other people out to enjoy a walk or children having fun playing. If you are out and about in our parks and open spaces, please remember to; Dispose of all litter, masks, gloves and wipes in a bin and if you are not near a bin then please take your litter home with you Always pick up after your dog and use the bins provided. If you are caught littering or fail to pick up after your dog, you could face a fine of up to £80. If you don’t pay the fine, you could be taken to court which can result in the fine increasing to £1000.

If you spot repeat offenders, please tell us by; T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Plant a Tree for the Jubilee We’re delighted to be celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 by taking part in the ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ campaign. This UK wide programme is highlighting the importance of trees to the environment while protecting and sustaining what we already have. We are looking forward to working with our local community groups, schools, businesses and keen gardeners on planting projects. So whether you’re an individual looking to plant a single sapling in your garden, a group or business planting a celebration tree or a farmer looking to create new hedgerows, you can get involved. The trees will be planted from the start of the tree-planting season in October through to the end of 2022, to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

To register your interest and for more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ plantatree

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Leisure & Lifestyle

Planting in Memory of those who lost their lives due to COVID-19 While you are out and about across the Borough you might have noticed a number of memorial trees which we have planted in memory of those people from the Borough who have sadly lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope these memorials at Alexander Irvine Park in Antrim, Whiteabbey Village, Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill will bring some comfort to those who lost loved ones and will be a lasting way for both families and our community to reflect and remember.

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Competition to Find the Next Giant Tourism Business Idea! As part of our COVID-19 Recovery Plans, we have launched a new tourism challenge competition aimed at encouraging new experiences, services and attractions to start-up in the tourism and hospitality sector. Entrepreneurs can pitch for up to a 75% grant to help test the feasibility of their new business idea. If the idea has the potential to become a giant success, they will be able to apply for seed funding of up to £50,000 per scheme to make the idea become a reality.

For more information E: tourism@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or T. 028 9034 0000

Special Offers to Discover Antrim and Newtownabbey The local tourism and hospitality sector across the Borough is grateful for your support during a very difficult year. To mark the re-opening of their businesses, a range of local offers are available across accommodation, restaurants and visitor experiences including:

Hilton Belfast Templepatrick Golf & Country Club Hilton Honors Dream Away Offer: Up to 20% off exclusive for Hilton Honors members. Valid until 31 December 2021.

Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport Bed & Breakfast from £90 for 2 people sharing. Park, Stay & Fly packages also available on website.

Glendaloch Bed and Breakfast 10% Discount for 1 Night stay. 15% Discount for 2+ nights stay. Valid until 1 November 2021.

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat Main Course and Drink for £14.95pp. Valid Monday to Friday, 12 – 4.30pm. Excludes public and bank holidays.

Glengormley Sportsbowl Ltd Early Bird: £3 a game per person. Saturday and Sunday before noon.

Belfast Mic Tours Antrim Town Walking Tour. £15 per person. 4 tickets for price of 3. Valid until December 2021.

For further details and more offers visit www.visitantrimandnewtownabbey.com To list your local business offer on our website E. tourism@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk Terms and Conditions apply and offers are subject to change and availability. 24

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Borough Life June 2021


Protect your Property this Summer

Anti-Social Behaviour A worrying trend witnessed in recent times has been the rise in Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) across the Borough. Young people are placing themselves in positions of risk and vulnerability.

Burglaries often increase during the summer months, when burglars take advantage of doors and windows being left open. With many of us staying at home this year or having a Staycation, the danger is we’re more relaxed and take less steps to secure our property than we would if jetting off for a sunshine holiday.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) fund Community Safety Wardens, Street Pastors and a High Risk Youth project to engage with young people on the street, challenging behaviours and encouraging positive choices. Their presence in anti-social hotspots is helping to make our Borough a safer place to live.

Burglars don’t take holidays – but they could ruin yours. Here are some simple steps that everyone can take to improve their home security

The PCSP also works with a range of partners such as PSNI, Education Authority and NIHE to pool resources and expertise in tackling ASB. However, we urge all of you to help by: knowing where your children are, who they are with and what they are doing – sadly children as young as 12 have been reported as being vulnerable through alcohol. To report ASB contact the PSNI on T. 101.

Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home Don’t advertise your holiday plans on social media Keep all keys in a safe place, and keep valuables out of sight If you are out or on holiday make your home look occupied by using a timer switch to control lights

BEAT is Back

If you have a burglar alarm, always use it when you leave the house or when you go to bed.

We appreciate that a lack of activities and opportunities has made it hard for our young people over the past year. The good news is that a number of youth initiatives are making a welcome return. The PCSP Summer BEAT programme which covers Antrim, Ballyclare, Crumlin and Glengormley will return on 5 July and will run for the entire summer. The programme will run from 7pm to 10pm, 3 nights per week, varying per area. Aimed at young people aged 11+, BEAT is designed to be more than a conventional summer scheme – youth workers will engage with detached young people who are at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. The programme includes sports; arts and music; drug/alcohol awareness; team building; mental health awareness; developing healthy interpersonal relationships and much more.

For details visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/pcsp

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It’s Almost

t i w m o e! h S The curtain has been down and the stalls have been empty but we’re back and can’t wait to hear the laughter and music in our theatres. We have been busy preparing an exciting and new programme as it is nearly time to welcome you back, lift the curtains and experience a night at the theatre once again!

Neil Delamere

We have a jam packed programme to keep you all entertained. Highlights include:

• • • •

Ballet Ireland’s Nutcracker Calamity Jane by Fortwilliam Musical Society The Ocean Film Festival Our perennial Christmas Cracker - Caroline Curran starring in her new Christmas Show

• Our annual Courtyard Pantomime with Mr Hullabaloo at Theatre at The Mill.

However you don’t need to wait until then to experience the magic of theatre. Check out our Super Summer Series of events taking place at the Civic Square at Mossley Mill each weekend from Friday 30 July, bringing you the best of Music, Comedy and Drama. The Illegals and Niamh Kavanagh will rock the stage on Friday 30 July as they bring you the greatest hits from the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Neil Delemere will have you in stitches as he brings his new stand up show Liminal on Saturday 31 July and Musical Maestro Peter Corry brings his musical spectacular to town on 6 and 7 August. Other acts include Funnymen, Shane Todd and Colin Geddis and the fabulous Flash Harry! To ensure your safety we have created bubbles of four, socially distanced by two metres so you can join family and friends for a great night of open-air theatre.

For full details and bookings please visit theatretathemill.com If you would like to be the first to know about our upcoming programmes and performances, make sure you register today at boxoffice@theatreatthemill.com

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Borough Life June 2021

Shane Todd


Leisure & Lifestyle

Peter Corry

Colin Geddis

Flash Harry

Civic Square

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Borough Life June 2021


Leisure & Lifestyle

Official Opening of £2.3million Gateway Visitor Centre Former Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery was recently joined by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA to officially open the new £2.3m Gateway Visitor Centre in Antrim. Nestled on the shores of Lough Neagh, this multimillion state-of-the-art visitor centre project features an exhibition space, a restaurant and is home to Lough Neagh Rescue. The exhibition space tells the story of the Lough and its influence on our past, present and future. The sights and sounds will excite and enthuse all ages and the learning experience reflects five key themes around the Lough: Legends, Life, Living, Lives and Links. Home to Lough Neagh Rescue, The Gateway equips volunteers with top class facilities to help them deliver their invaluable service to users of Lough Neagh. The space has been designed to specifically meet the needs of this rescue service offering a prime location with full sight of and direct access to the Lough. Situated on the first floor, The Boathouse restaurant offers a family friendly environment, with an outdoor terrace offering panoramic views across Lough Neagh. Their diverse menu includes delicious fish and chips and authentic pizzas, making it the perfect stop off for locals and visitors to the area. In upcoming months, ‘The Protector of the Lough’ art sculpture will be erected at the water’s edge to complement the area. Inspired by the works of WB Yeats, this magnificent silhouette will cut clear against the horizon and Finn McCool will be instantly recognisable from far across the water celebrating the Lough, the land, the folklore and the heritage. The Gateway project was part-funded under the Rural Tourism Scheme of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs which contributed £500k; the Heritage Lottery Fund under the Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership Scheme which contributed £60k and the Council who contributed the remaining funding of £50k.

For more information on the facilities in The Gateway Visitor Centre, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/thegateway

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Waste & Recycling

Turning round your brown bin waste The best thing that can happen to food is that it makes it to our plates and is enjoyed but it’s inevitable that some food is going to be wasted…. egg shells, vegetable peelings, tea bags to name just a few. It’s not a bad thing to have some food waste as it can all be recycled. At this time of year, we also have lots of garden waste such as grass cuttings, weeds and plant prunings which can also be recycled in your brown bin.

What happens to your brown bin waste? In just 8 weeks, your food and garden waste can be turned into a rich soil conditioner to help plants grow. It can even be used to generate electricity that can be fed back into the national grid. The contents of your brown bin are brought to a composting facility, where they are placed into large heated tunnels which safely breaks down the products. This rich compost is then ready to sell on to local farmers and businesses. So your food and garden waste can make its way back into your flowerbeds or places such as Antrim Castle Gardens where it is used to improve growing conditions for the beautiful plants on display. Our food and garden waste is too precious to send to landfill so make sure it always goes into your brown bin.

For more details on what you can recycle from home visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/recycling

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Borough Life June 2021

It’s only Fair! We are proud to be a Fairtrade Borough! This shows the commitment from across the Borough to promote and use fairly traded products. Fairtrade is about giving the people who produce the things you buy a fair price for their work. Often only a tiny bit of the money you pay for something goes to the person who actually made it, particularly when items are imported from poorer countries. Next time you are buying fruit, chocolate or even coffee why not consider buying Fairtrade and making a difference to the lives of those who produced it.

Do you sell Fairtrade? Do you have a business or organisation within the Borough that sells Fairtrade products? Let us know so we can help you promote it. If not, then why not consider making the change.

For more information T. 028 9034 0254 or E. fairtrade@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk


Animal Welfare

Paws for thought! With people spending a lot more time at home in recent months, the desire to purchase a four legged friend has been even more appealing. The huge increase in demand for puppies has encouraged more illegal breeding to take place. If you’re considering buying a puppy, make sure you #PawsForThought and give it proper consideration. Be sure to consider the following: Know where the pup has come from Be cautious of online advertisements. Puppy farms are likely to advertise several litters of different breeds at one time Ask for vet records and initial vaccinations Arrange to see the puppy with its mother, in its own surroundings. Never buy a puppy from someone who asks to deliver it to you. Our Animal Welfare Officers continue to work with other agencies to target the illegal movement of pups. If you have any information, or suspect illegal breeding, report it online at

antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/report or contact us on T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Dogs die in hot cars! Summer is here and warmer days are on the increase. If you are heading out in the car with your dog, think carefully before you leave the dog alone in the car. When it’s 22°C outside, the temperature inside the car can soar to a whopping 47°C within just one hour. Leaving a window open or a sunshield on your windscreen will not keep your car cool enough. In just 20 minutes a dog can die in a hot car. Under the Animal Welfare Act you have a legal duty to care for your animals and if you put them at risk you will face prosecution.

If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999.

If you have any concerns about the welfare of an animal, please T. 028 2563 3134

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Your Councillors KEY ABBREVIATIONS DUP Democratic Unionist Party IND Independent SDLP Social Democratic and Labour Party UUP Ulster Unionist Party

Dunsilly

Ballyclare

Antrim Threemilewater Airport

Macedon Glengormley Urban

Airport District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS ALDERGROVE, CLADY, CRUMLIN, MALLUSK AND TEMPLEPATRICK.

ANNE MARIE LOGUE SINN FÉIN T. 07533 353610 E. annemarie.logue@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

THOMAS BURNS SDLP T. 07803 535094 E. thomas.burns@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MATTHEW MAGILL DUP T. 07825 374019 E. matthew.magill@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ANDREW MCAULEY ALLIANCE T. 07775 756466 E. andrew.mcauley@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

PAUL MICHAEL bem UUP T. 07587 657120 E. paul.michael@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Antrim District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS ANTRIM CENTRE, FOUNTAIN HILL, GREYSTONE, SPRINGFARM, STEEPLE AND STILES.

PAUL DUNLOP bem DUP T. 07771 554652 E. paul.dunlop@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

NEIL KELLY ALLIANCE T. 07545 992615 E. neil.kelly@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ROISIN LYNCH SDLP T. 07827 276840 E. roisin.lynch@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JIM MONTGOMERY UUP T. 07471 147666 E. jim.montgomery@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JOHN SMYTH DUP T. 07436 582180 E. john.smyth@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

LEAH SMYTH UUP T. 07984 030867 E. leah.smyth@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Ballyclare District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS BALLYCLARE EAST, BALLYCLARE WEST, BALLYNURE, BALLYROBERT AND DOAGH.

JEANNIE ARCHIBALD-BROWN DUP T. 07715 392229 E. jeannie.archibald@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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MANDY GIRVAN DUP T. 07912 028945 E. mandy.girvan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Borough Life June 2021

NORRIE RAMSAY UUP T. 07342 064652 E. norrie.ramsay@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

VERA MCWILLIAM UUP T. 07792 477050 E. vera.mcwilliam@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MICHAEL STEWART IND T. 07810 868522 E. michael.stewart@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk


Dunsilly District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS CRANFIELD, PARKGATE, RANDALSTOWN, SHILVODAN AND TOOME.

LINDA CLARKE DUP T. 07803 132601 E. linda.clarke@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

HENRY CUSHINAN SINN FÉIN T. 07871 229810 E. henry.cushinan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

GLENN FINLAY ALLIANCE T. 07904 412040 E. glenn.finlay@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

RODERICK SWANN UUP T. 07423 457376 E. roderick.swann@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

RYAN WILSON SDLP T. 07733 453883 E. ryan.wilson@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Glengormley Urban Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS BALLYHENRY, BURNTHILL, CARNMONEY, COLLINBRIDGE, GLEBE, GLENGORMLEY AND HIGHTOWN.

ALISON BENNINGTON DUP T. 07741 241011 E. alison.bennington@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

PHILLIP BRETT DUP T. 07971 538685 E. phillip.brett@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MARK COSGROVE UUP T. 07584 857897 E. mark.cosgrove@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MICHAEL GOODMAN SINN FÉIN T. 07827 818500
 E. michael.goodman @antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ROSIE KINNEAR SINN FÉIN T. 07771 544248 E. rosie.kinnear @ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

NOREEN MCCLELLAND SDLP T. 07789 208157 E noreen.mcclelland @antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JULIAN MCGRATH ALLIANCE T. 07920 029033 E. julian.mcgrath@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Macedon District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS ABBEY, CARNMONEY HILL, O’NEILL, RATHCOOLE, VALLEY AND WHITEHOUSE. MAYOR

ROBERT FOSTER UUP T. 07342 064510 E. robert.foster@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

PAUL HAMILL DUP T. 07803 186008 E. paul.hamill@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

LINDA IRWIN DUP T. 07769 878483 E. linda.irwin@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

TAYLOR MCGRANN SINN FÉIN T. 07436 548081 E taylor.mcgrann@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

BILLY WEBB mbe jp ALLIANCE T. 07799 866876 E billy.webb@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

VICTOR ROBINSON DUP T. 07557 752451 E victor.robinson@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Threemilewater District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS BALLYDUFF, FAIRVIEW, JORDANSTOWN, MONKSTOWN, MOSSLEY AND ROSTULLA. DEPUTY MAYOR

FRASER AGNEW mbe UUP T. 07711 135267 E. fraser.agnew@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

TOM CAMPBELL ALLIANCE T. 07595 978690 E. tom.campbell@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MARK COOPER bem DUP T. 07771 332108 E mark.cooper@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JULIE GILMOUR ALLIANCE T. 07796 950825 E julie.gilmour@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

SAM FLANAGAN DUP T. 07984 037509 E. sam.flanagan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

STEPHEN ROSS DUP T. 07713 946038 E stephen.ross@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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CONTACT THE COUNCIL and Holiday Arrangements

Mon

COUNCIL BUILDINGS

Tues

Mon

12 July

13 July

30 Aug

Antrim Civic Centre

028 9446 3113

Mossley Mill

028 9034 0000

Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House

028 9448 1338

Ballyclare Town Hall

028 9034 0139

Flax Gallery & Museum at The Mill

028 9034 0129

Pogues Entry

028 9448 1338

Sentry Hill

028 9083 2363

11am – 5pm

11am – 5pm

The Gateway

028 9448 1493

Whitehouse

028 9034 0129

Allen Park

028 9448 1300

Antrim Forum

028 9446 4131

Ballyearl

028 9084 8287

Crumlin

028 9448 1973

Sixmile

028 9334 1818

Valley

028 9086 1211

Sixmile Water

028 9446 4963

Jordanstown Loughshore Park

028 9034 0137

Courtyard Theatre

028 9034 0202

Old Courthouse Theatre

028 9442 8331

Theatre at The Mill

028 9034 0202

LEISURE CENTRES

CARAVAN PARKS

THEATRES

RECYCLING CENTRES Opening times for recycling centres are available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/recycling Craigmore (Randalstown)

028 9447 3813

Crumlin

028 9442 3640

Newpark (Antrim)

028 9442 8107

Bruslee

028 9034 0056

O’Neill Road

028 9034 0056

✗ CLOSED

✓ OPEN

USEFUL COUNCIL CONTACTS Park Warden: 028 9034 0275 Dog Warden: 028 9034 0160 Out of hours Dog Warden: 028 9034 0178 Planning: 0300 123 6677 Contact details for Community Centres are available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/communitycentres

BIN COLLECTIONS Check your bin collection day and public holiday collections at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/binchecker Please remember to leave your bin out for 7am on collection day at normal collection points. 34

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Borough Life June 2021


Improving our Customer Service

USEFUL NUMBERS

To help improve our customer service, we have introduced a new appointment system for the registration of births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships at both Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill. Our office hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday – Friday. Customers will still be able to use the service without an appointment, however those with an appointment will be given priority.

To make an appointment E. registrar@antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk or T. 028 9448 1315 (Antrim Civic Centre) or T. 028 9034 0179 / 028 9034 0180 (Mossley Mill)

Do business with us! The Council procures a variety of goods and services and uses an electronic procurement portal to promote these opportunities:

eSourcingNI – e-sourcingni. bravosolution.co.uk If you own a business make sure you take the time to sign up to this portal to ensure you do not miss any tender opportunities.

For more information T. 028 9034 0090 or E. procurement@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Animal Welfare

028 2563 3134

Bryson Energy

0800 142 2865

Bus and Rail queries (Translink)

028 9066 6630

Citizens Advice (Antrim & Newtownabbey)

028 9590 6505

Education Authority

028 2565 3333

Electricity Faults & Emergencies (24 hours)

03457 643 643

Fallen trees (Department for Infrastructure)

0300 200 7893

Gas Emergency Response (24 hours)

0800 002 001

Hospitals Antrim Area Hospital Whiteabbey Hospital

028 9442 4000 028 9086 5181

Housing Executive Main Number (including grass cutting & graffiti) Repairs Line Housing Benefit

03448 920 900 03448 920 901 03448 920 902

Land Registry

0300 200 7803

Mapping (Land & Property Services)

0300 200 7804

Northern Health & Social Care Trust

028 9442 4000

Pest Control (Consult your phone directory) Rates (Property Rating & Valuation)

0300 200 7801

TransportNI (previously Roads Service) Bus shelter vandalism/graffiti Cut roadside trees and grass verges Fallen trees Flooding roadway, footpath and blocked road gullies (24 hours) Road repairs (including potholes) Street lighting Traffic Hotline Winter salting (24 hours)

028 9054 0540 028 9046 3250 028 9054 0540 0300 200 7891 028 9025 3000 0300 200 7893 0300 200 7899 0845 712 3321 0300 200 7893

Social Security Agency Antrim and Newtownabbey Offices: Benefits Freephone Employment Service

0800 022 4250 0300 200 7822

Telephone/Utility Boxes (BT fault)

0800 023 2023

Voting (Electoral Office)

0800 432 0712

Water (NI Water)

03457 440088

Flooding Incident Line (24 hours) Report your property is flooded or flooding

0300 200 0100

Flooding - Council owned property

028 9446 3113

Burst watermains and blocked sewers (Northern Ireland Water) (24 hours)

0345 744 0088

Overflowing rivers and watercourses (Rivers Agency)

028 9260 6100

Water pollution in watercourse (Northern Ireland Environment Agency)

0800 807 060

Consumerline (9.00 am to 4.00 pm)

0300 123 6262

Action Fraud

0300 123 2040

PLEASE NOTE - The Council is NOT responsible for these services. We've listed some useful contacts to help you.

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Survey - Council’s Digital Services We are keen to have your help to improve our communication about our service updates, events, special offers, leisure classes and courses, weather updates and news about council servcies in general. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. For competition rules visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/competitionrules or these can be posted on request T. 028 9034 0034

Prize Draw All responses received will be entered in to a FREE prize draw to win o ne month Family Leisure Centre Membership.

This survey can also be completed online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov. uk/surveys

1. How do you usually hear about Council Services, events, offers, leisure classes & courses, weather and news updates? (Please tick all that apply) Council Residents’ Magazine Borough Life

Word of Mouth (Family or Friends)

Newspapers

Council Website

Radio Advertisement

Leaflet

Posters

Online e.g. What’s On NI, Visit Belfast

Banners

Just know about it/ go every year

Social Media e.g. Twitter, Facebook Billboards

Other (please state):

2. Have you used any of the Council’s digital platforms in the past 12 months? Website

Yes

No

Apply/ Report/ Pay

Yes

No

Facebook @ANBorough

Yes

No

Live Chat

Yes

No

ANBorough App

Yes

No

Instagram @ANBorough

Online Council Bookings

Yes

No

Twitter @ANBorough

Yes

No

LinkedIn

Yes Yes

No No

3. Why did you visit these digital platforms? (Please tick all that apply)

Website

Live Chat

ANBorough App

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Report a problem - dog fouling, fly tipping Request a service - bulky collection, purchase a bin Pay for a service - dog license Get information on virtual events and classes Get COVID-19 information and guidance Get information about Council Services Manage your Leisure Membership - book fitness classes, swimming Customer complaints/ compliments Research

Other (please state):


Very Easy

Easy

Neither

Difficult

Very Difficult

Extremely Satisfied

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Unsatisfied

Very Unsatisfied

Satisfied

Unsatisfied

Very Unsatisfied

4. How easy was it to navigate our digital platforms?

Website Apply/ Report/ Pay Live Chat ANBorough App

5. How satisfied are you with the Council's online communications?

Website Live Chat ANBorough App Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Please share suggestions of anything else you would like to see on our Social Media :

6. Are there any other Council services you would like to access online? (Please state below)

Extremely Satisfied

Very Satisfied

7. How satisfied are you with the Borough Life magazine? Do you have any suggestions about articles you would like to see in Borough Life?

8. Overall, how satisfied are you with all services provided by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council? 9 . Would you like to be part of our digital panel? Age:

16-24

25-44

45-64

65+

Yes

No

Postcode:

PRIZE DRAW

Prize Draw

Simply complete the survey and your contact details below and return to: FREEPOST ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL – CIVIC CENTRE Or complete online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/surveys Closing date Friday 16 July Contact name: Contact number:

All responses received will be entered in to a FREE prize draw to win o ne month Family Leisure Centre Membership.

Contact email:

For competition rules visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/competitionrules For GDPR Statement antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/gdpr/communications-and-customer-services-gdpr


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