Borough Life // April 2021

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

RESIDENTS’ MAGAZINE

//

April 2021

Join us for our One Giant Weekend

COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW INVESTMENT & JOBS

ANBorough

Clear your diaries for this three-day festival of fun as part of our Centenary of Northern Ireland commemorative programme.

1 2 0 2 r e b m e t 3 – 5 Sep 2

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There will be a mix of Live Music, Comedy, Drama, Street Entertainment - it would be one GIANT mistake to miss it!

This GIANT weekend of fun includes;

Fri 3 Sept, 6 - 10pm:

A Giant Evening of family fun, music, food and fireworks finale at V36

Sat 4 Sept, 1 - 5pm:

A Giant Picnic, local food stalls, street entertainment and live music at Antrim Castle Gardens

Sun 5 Sept, 1 - 5pm:

The Giant Crafts of NI Linen and Wool, Spinning Yarns at Mossley Mill

For more details visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ OneGiantWeekend

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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

Planning for the Future

Please contact us if you require this magazine in an alternative format.

One of the most important documents that will determine how we live, travel, work, learn and protect our environment in Antrim and Newtownabbey is moving closer to completion.

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.

The new Local Development Plan’s first key stage, known as the Plan Strategy, sets out the planning framework for the Borough through to 2030 and following an extensive public consultation exercise, the Plan has now been submitted to the Department for Infrastructure to cause an Independent Examination by the Planning Appeals Commission.

For more details visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/LDP

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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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Antrim and Newtownabbey is Back in Business

Mayor’s Message

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Spring into MORE Fitness

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Get into the Swing this Spring

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Join us for a Summer to Remember

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Business as Usual for Recycling

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School Uniform Recycling Scheme

Welcome to the summer edition of Borough Life.

The world has undergone significant change in the last year and no-one could have imagined the devastation this virus would bring and the challenges we would have to face. As we continue on the road to recovery, we can look forward to brighter days as we work together to reshape and rebuild our local economy.

It has been truly heart-warming to see the power of community spirit over recent months as groups joined together to ensure their neighbours and communities were fed, supported and remained connected.

Looking after the health and wellbeing of our residents remains a key priority and inside you will find details on our MORE Live online classes which have been extremely popular and have been expanded to include those with specific health conditions. We look forward to reopening the doors of our leisure centres very soon and you can find details on page 10 of our fantastic leisure memberships.

Local businesses need your help now more than ever and so I would encourage you to support them by shopping, dining and staying local. We are working on plans to revitalise our town centres and on page 9 you can read about the exciting plans we have for the Borough.

It has been a pleasure to support my two charities throughout my term; Air Ambulance and Guide Dogs NI. Thank you to all those who supported our online events.

I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe summer.

Councillor Jim Montgomery Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

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Council at the Centre of the Response to the Pandemic Our Borough is a beautiful place to live, work and visit and you, our residents, play a tremendous part in making Antrim and Newtownabbey the place that it is today.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery commented “During recent times, our community has pulled together to help those in need. Neighbours have connected and looked out for one another more than usual, community groups have sprung into action and organised support to the vulnerable and many people have stepped forward as volunteers for community hubs and local charities. This has created a sense of solidarity across our Borough, demonstrating the kindness and selflessness of our residents.

Good Morning Newtownabbey, based at Monkstown Jubilee Centre provided vital services from calls to prescription deliveries

As a Council, it was important for us to continue providing you with our statutory services including registration, bin collections and maintenance of our parks. This required many of our employees to step up and take on different roles to help out when needed.

We would like to thank everyone who played their part in helping our Borough become what it is today, especially those who have created the wonderful sense of community now apparent in our towns and villages across the Borough. Here are a few highlights from the past year of those who have gone that extra mile.”

Volunteers planting out flowers bringing the towns to life during a challenging year

Staff were deployed to help deliver boxes to the heart of our community

Community volunteers helped to deliver food boxes to those isolating

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Along with the community groups, Council supported the delivery of food boxes

A food delivery to Crumlin Hub

OurSection Response

Council staff who rescued a lady who had a heart attack at the side of the road

Council’s Registration Officers continue to perform weddings when possible, Congratulations to Nicola and Paul

Ballynure Friends supporting their community with cooked food deliveries

Volunteers for Whiteabbey Community Group making up masks

Jam Store Food Bank Randalstown

Happy families, quiet times during restrictions allowed this family to flourish at Antrim Lough Shore

Community in Ballyclare planting out flower beds after Parks staff were redeployed to support vital services

Volunteers preparing bags for distribution at Monkstown Boxing Club

Volunteers from TACA Templepatrick planting throughout the town

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ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY IS

We are looking forward to welcoming you back into our town centres when you are ready to do so. We are continuing to work with businesses across the Borough to help them on the road to recovery and also to ensure we have measures in place to make your next town centre experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Our Covid Aware Ambassadors have a presence in our town centres, providing advice to shoppers and local retailers.

234 businesses have benefitted from a £1000 revitalise grant to help them reopen safely under the current guidelines.

We have installed new hand sanitiser units across the Borough to promote our local town centres as a safe place to shop.

In partnership with the PSNI, Chamber of Commerce and local retailers, we launched our Covid Aware campaign, highlighting the importance of customer safety.

Over 200 businesses have received a pack including ‘Back in Business’ bags, face coverings, posters, window stickers as well as a five litre drum of hand sanitiser.

We have also distributed social distancing posters, masks, hand sanitisers, advice leaflets and visors to local businesses to help them prepare for reopening.

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65 businesses across the Borough have been provided with awnings to help expand their premises. This has increased customer capacity and helped them ensure social distancing.

Our Response The Council is committed to revitalising and animating our towns and villages. This includes: Physical enhancements and cosmetic improvements including installation of street art, branding, street dressing, floral displays and planting Repurposing of vacant spaces to support the hospitality and retail sectors

Improved wayfinding throughout the towns to encourage and direct visitors to experience the full range of town centre attractions including connected leisure and tourism spaces Implementation of potential capital projects which can address long term issues such as parking and creation of

civic realm spaces to support ongoing economic recovery.

We want to create connected, clean and vibrant spaces across the Borough which will be attractive and welcoming for both residents and visitors. This will encourage increased footfall and dwell time in our towns and therefore support economic recovery of local businesses.

rienced a tough year due to the g All of our businesses have expe u to play your part in supportin yo ge ura co en uld wo we so pandemic, al as omy recover, by shopping loc them and help our local econ much as possible. at help gh and would like to know wh If you are a business in our Borou 80039 or is available, text ‘BUSINESS’ to abbey.gov.uk E. business@antrimandnewtown

WE ARE C O AWARE VID

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Spring into

Fitness

Now that spring is in the air and the longer days are well and truly on their way, it’s time to get MORE Active, MORE Often. It’s been a challenging time for us all, both physically and mentally and we are just as excited as you are to see our leisure centres reopen when restrictions allow.

Our leisure memberships offer fantastic value for money at just £1.30 per day* for all of the family. Here’s what you can enjoy: • swimming pools

• dance studio (individual use)

• fitness suites (14 years+)

• running track (individual use)

• health suites (16 years+)

• adult classes

• racquet sports

• children’s classes (for children in a family membership)

• soft play (for children in a family membership)

*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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Leisure & Lifestyle

Get

Active with

Live

MORE Live, our online platform of your favourite fitness classes is a great way to kick start or keep up your active lifestyle. We have classes to suit everyone, from the beginners to the fitness fanatics, the over 50s to the under 8s, teens to tots, there’s something for all ages.

MORE Mind and Body classes which cover Mindfulness, Yoga and Tai Chi. Don’t forget, these classes are all currently FREE and available for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you – so what’s stopping you?

Being active has many benefits including helping you feel good mentally as well as physically. We have lots of variety available online, from our MORE Cardio classes which include Aerobics, Step and HIIT to our

To view the live stream, timetables or our class archive, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ MORELive

Healthy Lifestyles Thanks to £12k funding from Sport Northern Ireland and Northern Healthy Lifestyles Partnership, we have expanded our online offering of leisure classes to help our residents who have specific health conditions. Our Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) targets those with weight problems as well as pulmonary, cardiac and other health conditions.

The Scheme is a free 12-week fitness programme which offers a positive introduction to getting MORE active. It is designed to help participants develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to improve their health and wellbeing and includes a health and fitness consultation, virtual live sessions, an exercise planner and programme.

Ann Lake who is taking part in the programme commented,

I am delighted these services are now online.

I was referred for musculoskeletal problems and I’m hoping to improve my flexibility. The programme is extremely motivating and I hope it continues - it’s been great to have this during lockdown Please note, you must be referred onto the Scheme by a GP or Health Professional.

For more information on PARS, E. more@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/leisure

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Get into the Swing this Spring!

Plans are shaping up for this year’s ISPS Handa World Invitational which is set to return to Massereene Golf Club in Antrim this summer. If you want to join in on the golfing craze this year and need to perfect your swing then we can help. Our golf courses at Allen Park and Ballyearl are home to superb state-of-the-art golfing facilities, and with our memberships and green fees demonstrating excellent value for money, what’s stopping you?

Our membership packages include both golf courses at Allen Park and Ballyearl, so there is plenty of variety. We also have Golf Professionals at both venues who are available for one-to-one tuition and lessons – perfect for the beginners as well as those who just need a refresher.

Don’t forget, if you would like to give golf a go but aren’t ready to commit to a membership, then we have pay as you go options available too.

For more information on lessons, green fees or memberships E. more@ antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk

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Leisure & Lifestyle

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Love Living Here!

Many of us are rediscovering, or maybe even discovering for the first time, the beauty that lies within our local parks and countryside.

Our parks and open spaces play a hugely important role in supporting our physical and mental health and this has been highlighted more than ever as they provided a lifeline to many people during times when restrictions were in place.

It is fantastic to see our beautiful

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Borough being enjoyed but please help us to keep it that way by following these simple guidelines when you are out in our parks and open spaces; Dispose of all litter, masks, gloves and wipes in a bin and if you are not near a public bin then please take your litter home with you

Only park in designated parking areas and do not park in front of gates, residential properties, on verges or on narrow streets If car parks are full, you may have to look for alternative parking at busy times During these times it is also important to:

Always pick up after your dog and use the dog bins provided

Keep your distance from other walkers and runners

Keep dogs under control and ensure they are on a lead in designated areas

Wash or sanitise your hands before and after using any equipment

Leisure & Lifestyle

Looking for a Walk?

Are you looking for some walking inspiration? Visit our website where you can find information on a number of measured, picturesque walks within the Borough.

antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/walking

New Accessible Trails for Threemilewater and Valley Parks We are continually working to make our Council facilities and services more accessible for those with additional needs. Thanks to funding from the Department for Communities’ Access and Inclusion Programme, we have been able to deliver a number of new projects that will ensure our parks and open spaces can be enjoyed by everyone.

• New accessible trails have been developed at

Threemilewater Park and the Valley Park. The design of these trails mean that those with limited mobility and wheelchair users can use them easily.

• Sensory gardens have been created at Antrim Castle Gardens and Hazelbank Park. All our parks and open spaces are sensory but these areas are designed specifically to focus on sensory experience and are suitable for people of all interests, ages and abilities.

For more information on accessibility within our Borough visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/accessibility

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The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat set to open this Summer Galgorm Collection has announced the opening of Northern Ireland’s newest luxury hotel in an investment worth £10 million that will create an additional 26 hospitality jobs, providing an exciting welcome break for visitors. Burrowed in the heart of Templepatrick, the 33-bedroom boutique hotel and spa - The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat – will open this summer, following the purchase and dramatic transformation of the former Templeton Hotel.

The property offers stylish accommodation, a luxury outdoor spa and lakeside walk, an onsite bar and restaurant and an exclusive-use events space for weddings and conferences.

The £2 million outdoor spa area offers guests a lakeside tranquil space for relaxation, with unique attractions including Swedish saunas, aromatherapy steam room, halotherapy salt chamber and Roman inspired baths and hot tubs. Exclusive to The Rabbit is a lakeside beach complete with heated sand, a Lake Bar, sunken lounge and plush cabanas for a laid back, luxurious experience.

Following an extensive £2.5 million refurbishment, The Rabbit Restaurant and Hunter’s Bar first opened to diners in July 2020, seating up to 180 guests and boasting a large outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat also features its brand-new banqueting suite and wedding venue ‘The Loft’, offering unabridged luxury in a magical setting. With high vaulted ceilings, chandeliers adorned with foliage, marble dining tables, dramatic fireplaces and a stunning romantic lake view from the spacious outdoor terrace, the fairy-tale setting is the ideal backdrop for a picture-perfect wedding day.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said; “It is fantastic to see this multi-million pound investment in our Borough and the job opportunities that will boost the local economy after such challenging times for the tourism industry. I have no doubt that The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat will attract visitors both locally and overseas. I would like to wish the Galgorm Collection every success in this exciting venture.”

For more information or to book your stay visit www.rabbithotel.com

Leisure & Lifestyle

Discover the Depths of Lough Neagh The final touches are being made to the much anticipated new exhibition at the Gateway Visitor Centre in Antrim. There will be sights and sounds to excite and enthuse all ages and the learning experience will reflect five key themes around the Lough: Legends, Life, Living, Lives and Links.

Offering unparalleled views across Lough Neagh, with its excellent restaurant and coffee shop the Gateway Centre has already proven to be very popular and has started the important work of showcasing Lough Neagh as a draw for recreation and visitors.

We are also looking forward to the new Protector of the Lough sculpture being installed soon. It will grow from the soil next to the shoreline in a series of steel ribbons like tall grasses and willow branches. They will swirl and connect to conform to the figure of Finn McCool, rock and soil lifted above his head, celebrating the folklore of Lough Neagh’s creation. The sculpture will be arriving later in spring and will be a human manifestation of the force of the ancient fault line that created Lough Neagh.

In a unique connection to the Borough’s built heritage, the Council has secured the return of stoneworks previously adorned on Antrim Castle. A special piece, depicting a mermaid will be incorporated into the Gateway Exhibition drawing upon the theme of Legends.

The Exhibition will really help to tell the story of the Lough and its influence on our past, present, and future, so why not start planning your next visit now!

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/thegateway

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Join us for a Summer to Remember!

There are brighter days ahead this summer as the road to recovery gets underway. We have plans for a number of summer events suitable for all ages ranging from comedy to summer entertainment, a great opportunity to get outdoors again and reconnect with family and friends, something we have all missed over the last year.

Darkness into Light 8 May, Borough Wide Supported by Electric Ireland, Darkness into Light will take place at sunrise on the morning of Saturday 8 May. As we are unable to gather together at V36 this year, we are bringing Darkeness into Light to you. Don your yellow t-shirt and take part in the event at a time and in a location that suits you. For more details visit www. darknessintolight.ie

Ulster Pipe Championships 19 June, Antrim Castle Gardens With the unmistakable skirl of the Highland pipes and a tapestry of tartan, this is a musical spectacular to behold.

Schools Out for Summer 25 June, V36 at the Valley

Come along and celebrate school finishing for the summer holidays. Join us for free family fun including fairground attractions, street theatre, live music and performers.

There will also be plenty of great food stalls available to tempt your taste buds. This event is supported by the EU’s PEACE IV programme managed by the Special EU Programme Body (SEUPB).

Brighter Nights July & August, Lilian Bland Community Park Brighter Nights return every Friday evening from 2 July to 27 August with a different theme each week. Suitable for children aged 2-11 years.

Summer Sunday Music July & August, Jordanstown Loughshore Park & Antrim Castle Gardens 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.

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Leisure & Lifestyle Kids’ Summer Entertainment July & August, Online Children can look forward to some virtual entertainment with lots of fun elements.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for details.

ISPS HANDA World Invitational 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

Open Air Theatre July & August, Civic Square at Mossley Mill Join us for some open-air music, comedy and drama performances. This super summer series is set to begin on Saturday 30 July with weekly headline acts including The Illegals, Comedian Neil Delamere, Musical Maestro Peter Corry, Flash Harry, Elvis Spectacular and much more.

Party in the Park 31 July, Antrim Castle Gardens Bring your Party to our Party at Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 31 July, 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.

One Giant Weekend 3-5 September, Borough Wide Remember to clear your diaries for One Giant Weekend from 3-5 September, this three-day festival of fun is part of our Centenary of Northern Ireland commemorative programme. Events will take place at V36, Antrim Castle Gardens and Mossley Mill and will include live music, comedy, drama, street entertainment and with the addition of One Giant Picnic – it would be One Big Mistake to miss it!

The Big Wheel Various Dates, Antrim Market Square & Jordanstown Loughshore Park This is a must-see experience for all the family to take in some breath-taking views of our beautiful Borough. Keep an eye on our website and social media for details.

Please note, these events are subject to NI Executive Guidelines.

Keep an eye on our social media pages and website for more details.

£1m BLK BOX Expansion shows Borough can do Business with the Best in Class Antrim and Newtownabbey is a great place to do business and this was demonstrated by a recent £1m investment by one of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing companies. BLK BOX, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of Strength & Conditioning equipment has announced an expansion to a new 140,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution centre in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, generating 16 new jobs. Specialising in facility design and the fit-out of world class facilities, the company has gone from strength to strength since their launch in 2012.

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Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery welcomed the announcement saying, “This very welcome announcement from BLK BOX is fantastic news for our local economy and it is great to see a new company coming to our Borough and giving our employment opportunities a significant boost. I wish them every success and I’m confident this new facility will help bring their ambitious growth plans to fruition.”

Gregory Bradley, Managing Director for BLK BOX said, “We met with the Mayor, Chief Executive

and Councillors of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recently about moving to the Borough and everyone was very supportive which made the decision much easier. This new location will provide a larger space for us to continue to grow and expand both our capacity and our workforce. It will also enable us to create the kind of distribution centre we need to fill our growing consumer sales in the UK, Europe and further afield. We are very excited about the move to Newtownabbey and what the future holds for BLK BOX.”

Business & Jobs

New £17.5m ASDA Superstore for the Borough Shoppers in Newtownabbey can look forward to more convenience and choice with the announcement that a new ASDA Superstore will be coming soon to the Doagh Road, Newtownabbey.

The Council’s Planning Committee recently approved a new ASDA Food Store as well as an eight-bay Petrol Filling Station with a Click and Collect facility.

The £17.5 million investment will be a boost to the local economy with 100 construction jobs, and over 250 staff when the store is opened, generating £4.37 million each year in salaries.

Welcoming the decision, ViceChair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Sam Flanagan said, “This major investment is very positive news for our Borough, not only bringing jobs but also widening the consumer choice available to our residents.”

“Engaging positively with the development community is an important aspect of our economic development strategy. The transformation of this site, will also see important environmental and infrastructure improvements that will benefit the area.”

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No Rubbish Excuses!

Would you like a pile of someone else’s rubbish left in your garden? I’m sure the answer for most of us would be no. Yet some people think it’s acceptable to throw their rubbish down on the street or out their car window. There is no excuse for this selfish behaviour.

Whether its empty coffee cups, drink cans, takeaway wrappers or cigarette butts, litter spoils our streets and countryside and can attract rats.

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Dropping litter shows a lack of respect for your neighbours and spoils the community for everyone else. It also costs a lot of money to clean up our streets and countryside...money that could be better spent on other things.

If you are caught littering you could face a fine of up to £80. So don’t be a litter lout when you’re out and about and put your rubbish in a bin or take it home with you.

Waste & Recycling

Business as Usual for Recycling Since the pandemic started over a year ago, our residents have been recycling over 20% more and we want to say a huge thank you for continuing to recycle during these challenging times.

We know people have spent a lot more time at home and we have noticed a significant increase in the amount of waste that is being collected but it is fantastic to see that residents are still doing their bit to ensure their waste is being recycled or composted rather than sent to landfill. As a result, we remain one of the top recycling councils in Northern Ireland.

While it is great to see an increase in the amount of waste being recycled, we want to encourage residents to keep reducing their food waste. Here are a few simple tips:

• Write a meal plan and then draw up a list before you go shopping • Freeze any suitable food that won’t be eaten before their use by dates e.g. bread, milk

• Get creative and make some new recipes with the food that is already in your cupboards

www.lovefoodhatewaste.com has some great recipe ideas for using up left over food as well as tips to help you keep your food fresher for longer.

It’s not only your food waste that can be recycled from the kitchen - don’t forget about:

• • • •

kitchen roll plastic tubs soup cans milk and juice cartons

• • • •

drink cans egg cartons tin foil and foil trays cleaning bottles

There’s lots you can recycle from the bathroom too:

• deodorant cans • perfume/aftershave bottles • toilet roll tubes

• shampoo and showergel bottles • cardboard toothpaste boxes • cleaning bottles

For a list of what can be recycled in your brown bin, blue bin or wheelie box visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/recycling

#iRecycleRight

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Celebrating 100 years of Northern Ireland We recently secured £94,600 funding through the Shared History Fund which The National Lottery Heritage Fund is distributing on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office. This generous funding will support us to deliver projects that mark the centenary of Northern Ireland.

• An Unlikely Alliance – An original drama production telling a previously untold story of the unusual friendship and political alliance between Sir Edward Carson and Lady Jean Massereene of Antrim Castle.

• A Shared History Through The Eyes of Seniors – A Reminiscence Project which will celebrate older people and capture their untold stories in oral recordings for dramatic interpretation.

The Council’s commemorative programme, ‘A Country’s Centenary for Our Community’- Reflecting Back, Striving Forward, is exciting, innovative and a • Daughters of the Decades – A project which will great opportunity for us all to learn about our past explore the changed role of Women in Politics and look forward to the future. The programme has a over 100 years. wide range of activities planned around the themes • An Aliens Guide to Northern Ireland – A primary of reflection, celebration, commemoration and school educational project linked to the personal inspiration and will engage with all ages from school development and mutual understanding children to veterans. The programme includes: element of the curriculum, which will engage children in exploration of identity through digital • Community Engagement - Scripts, Collection animation. and Citizens – a range of community projects through narrative, objects and recognition of We are looking forward to celebrating unsung heroes.

• Reflections of a Centenary – Creation of a historical travelling exhibition featuring 100 years of history in a global, UK, ROI, NI and Borough context.

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this historic milestone. For more details on how you can participate visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ nicentenary

Community

Council supports Veterans Earlier this year, we launched a dedicated website page signposting veterans to the support available to them and their families.

We want to highlight the numerous support services who are on hand to offer support and guidance to all former service personnel. Many of our veterans do not seek the help available to them, however we hope that we can help remove any stigma attached to asking for help which our veterans rightly deserve.

Working closely with the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, Danny Kinahan and The Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office, we have put together a support page which includes everything from Health and Wellbeing to Financial Support.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ veteransupport

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Out and about with the Mayor

At the newly widened footbridge in Crumlin Glen

Laying a wreath for VJ Day with HM Lord Lieutenant for Co. Antrim, David McCorkell

Launching Scott Ferguson’s art exhibition at Clotworthy House

Launching the new Disability Hub located in Antrim Castle Mall

Marking the start of Ulster Scots Week

Officially opening the new Hope 365 store at The Junction

Opening the Dr Tuck Goh exhibition at Clotworthy House

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At one of the Borough’s accessible swings with local resident Luke Mullan

Community

Visit to Natural World Products

Welcoming the Ferris Wheel to Jordanstown Loughshore Park

Visiting the ‘For Our Freedom and Yours’ exhibition at Ballyclare Town Hall

Presenting St John’s Ambulance volunteers with certificates

Pictured with local school children to launch the Good Relations in-clusivity colouring book

Lighting the Beacon to mark VJ Day

Launching the Slow Cooker initiative

Presenting iPads to Dr Catherine Scully of Jordanstown School

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School Uniform Recycle Scheme Following the successful Borough wide school uniform recycle pilot scheme in 2020, we are delighted to announce the scheme will be back in 2021!!

The 2020 pilot scheme was delivered in all 7 District Electoral Areas (DEA’s) by the following groups: • First Antrim Presbyterian Church • Crumlin Community Hub • Carnmoney Presbyterian Church • Dunanney Centre, Rathcoole

• Monkstown Village Centre • TIDAL, Toome House • St John’s Church of Ireland, Ballyclare

Over 2,200 Items of good quality school uniform were donated to the schemes, covering 65 schools from across the Borough. These included Nursery, Primary, Second-level and SEN Schools. As a result of these donations, 230 families were provided with school uniform items.

The Council is continuing to work closely with existing community-based organisations and facilities and are hoping that more will come on board this year providing more resources across the Borough.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for more details over the next few weeks or contact communityplanning@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk for more information.

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Community

Where is your Child Tonight?

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) has been cause for major concern for communities, residents and statutory agencies throughout the COVID19 pandemic. ASB has a serious detrimental impact on quality of life for residents and users of public spaces where this activity is taking place.

We appreciate that activities for young people are extremely limited at present however we would encourage parents to know where their children are and ensure they are not placing themselves in a position of danger or vulnerability.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) works to make your community safer through collaborative partnership working and practical interventions.

The PCSP has a number of projects engaging with young people involved in ASB. Their remit is to make the young people aware of the impact, dangers and consequences of their behaviour; challenge that behaviour and encourage positive choices. These are:

• Community Safety Wardens • Drugs & Substances Awareness Raising project

• High Risk Youth project • Street Pastors

You can report ASB by contacting: • • • •

PSNI T. 101 or 999 Crimestoppers (anonymously) T. 0800 555 111 Community Safety Wardens, Thursday – Sunday evenings, T. 07816144333 PCSP E. pcsp@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

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It’s time to Eat Clever Do you want to eat more healthily? Perhaps you have been making poor food choices and you want some help to improve your eating habits?

Our Eat Clever programme can help you understand what healthy eating is and how easy it is to build it into your everyday life.

This FREE online programme is suitable for all ages and includes information on nutrition, meal planning, food safety and preparing healthy balanced meals. It shows you what a healthy balanced diet looks like and gives you ideas on simple changes you can make to your diet.

So what are you waiting for? To start your journey to healthy eating visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/eatclever

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Have you always fancied the idea of growing your own fruit and vegetables? Why not sign up to ‘Muddy Boots’ and enjoy that delicious taste of homegrown fruit plucked from the tree, or crunchy vegetables hauled from the soil.

Muddy Boots is a FREE online programme which teaches people of all ages how to grow their own produce. Don’t worry if you don’t have any available outdoor space as the programme teaches you all need to know, whether you are growing in a raised bed, a greenhouse or a tub on the windowsill.

Not only does growing your own produce allow you to eat healthier and increase your physical activity but it can bring such fulfilment, improving your overall wellbeing. It also has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the need to buy prepackaged fruit and vegetables.

Our Muddy Boots online programme is jam-packed with grow guides, planners and instructional videos to help you grow your way, today! If you’re not sure where to start but keen to have a go, why not sign up at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/muddyboots

Community

Your dog… Your mess!

Let’s face it, nobody likes to see litter spoiling our streets and countryside.

One of the most offensive types of litter is dog foul!

You wouldn’t like to see it left at your front door, yet some people don’t think twice about leaving their dog mess on our paths and streets.

Borough than there have ever been.

The Council’s Enforcement Officers patrol the Borough but with more than 270 miles to cover, it is impossible to target the right area at the right time.

Help us by reporting repeat offenders on

We appreciate the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and do clean up after their dogs, unfortunately, there are a small minority of owners who don’t.

T. 028 9034 0160

There really is no excuse! The Council provides dog bags free of charge and there are now more litter bins across the

If your dog fouls in a public place and you fail to pick it up, you could be issued with a Fixed Penalty of £80. If you don’t pay the fine, you could be taken to court which can result in the fine increasing to £1000.

E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk telling us the location, time of day the dog fouling usually happens and what the dog looks like.

Environment

Council Goes Green Our Borough is a beautiful place and we want to protect it and keep it that way. Our new Climate Change Action Plan looks at ways we can reduce Council emissions and protect the Borough from the effects of Climate Change.

Some of the objectives and actions include: • Reducing emissions from transport by promoting sustainable transport, reducing car travel and encouraging behavioural change: We are encouraging people to walk and cycle rather than using cars, by increasing our paths and walkways throughout the Borough. We are also increasing the number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points to encourage sustainable transport.

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions from the Council estate operations and fleet: Sixmile Leisure Centre recently had 30 solar panels installed to the roof of the leisure centre. This form of renewable energy will reduce our carbon footprint with the added bonus of reducing our energy costs.

• Enhancing and protecting biodiversity on

Council property and seeking to influence good biodiversity practice in all of our activities: Our extensive planting schedule includes wildflower meadows, tree planting (with the aim of planting 1000 trees per annum) as well as a local biodiversity action plan.

For more details on our Climate Change Action Plan visit antrimandnewtownabbey .gov.uk/climatechange

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

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

MATTHEW MAGILL DUP T. 07825 374019 E. matthew.magill@ 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. MAYOR

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

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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. DEPUTY MAYOR

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.

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.

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

Mon

Mon

Tues

Mon

3 May

31 May

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

11 – 5

11 – 5

✗

11 – 5

11 – 5

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.

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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.

Please note, under the current guidelines, our civic centres are closed and therefore an appointment is essential. Keep an eye on our website for updates.

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)

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)

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

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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