Borough Life // January 2023

A Warm Welcome Awaits

Cost of Living and Wellbeing Support

The cost of living crisis has had a major impact on many of our residents, particularly through the winter months. As a Council we have been working on various initiatives to help support you during these difficult times.

Warm and Well Support Booklet

In partnership with CAAN (Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey), we have produced a booklet containing all of the support that is available to you including contact details for statutory, community and voluntary bodies. It also highlights advice on energy bills, food, finances and general wellbeing as well as practical tips on how to reduce costs and stay well this winter.

Warm Welcome Programme

We also launched our new Warm Welcome programme in November, offering our residents a warm, safe and welcoming environment during the winter months. Organised in partnership with local community and voluntary groups and partfunded by the Northern Healthy Lifestyle Partnership, the programme hosts a range of activities in community settings with hot refreshments provided.

The programme offers somewhere welcoming and inviting for you to go and socialise whilst staying warm. From Arts & Crafts to Tea Dances, Physical Activity Classes to Movie Sessions, the programme offers a wide range of activities suitable for a variety of different age groups in many locations across the Borough.

Winter Woollies Success

We recently asked for your support for our Winter Woollies initiative to help those who struggle to keep warm throughout the winter months. We had a fantastic response with over 500 blankets, scarfs and hats received. All items have been delivered to the Northern Trust Children's Services who will donate these to families in need in our Borough. Thank you for all of your support on helping those in need this winter.

How to Contact Us

We provide lots of services and facilities for our residents and customers to enjoy and there are many reasons why you may want to contact us.

Whether you are booking a class, enquiring about an event, paying your dog licence or reporting a missed bin, we want your experience to be as easy as possible.

Arts & Culture

Want to book a theatre show or get tickets for an event? Simply book online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

Got a query? Contact our Arts & Culture Hub on:

• Live Chat (look for the purple chat icon on our webpage)

• E. culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

• T. 0300 123 7788

The team is available to help you

• Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

• Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm

This Customer Hub will also operate on the evenings of theatre shows and events.

Leisure

You can visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ leisure or use the ANBorough app to book your leisure class or activity.

If you have a query or want to enquire about membership packages, you can contact our Leisure Hub on:

• Live Chat (look for the purple chat icon on our webpage)

• E. more@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk (general enquiries)

• E. leisurebookings@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk (extended bookings and pitch bookings)

• T. 0300 123 1580

The team is available to help you

• Monday to Thursday, 8am–8pm

• Friday, 8am–6pm

• Saturday and Sunday, 10am–4pm

Other ways to contact us

We now have a new telephone number for our Customer Service Team at both Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill. You can call us on T. 0300 123 4568, Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm. Our Planning section can be contacted on T. 0300 123 6677

Our Recycling Centres and Waste department can be contacted on T. 028 9034 0056 (Our telephone numbers are charged at local rate.)

Visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or use the ANBorough app to:

• Access your leisure membership

• Check your bin collection date

• Contact your local Councillor

• Pay your dog licence

• Request a bulky waste collection

• Submit a building control application

• Report a complaint online

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with Council news and events. ANBorough

For jobs in the Borough, visit

ANBoroughJobs

This 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.

E. comms@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk T. 0300 123 4568

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

• Braille

• Large print

• Audio version

To order contact E. ellen.boyd@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Mayor’s Message

Welcome to the January issue of Borough Life, our residents’ magazine that keeps you updated about everything going on in our Borough. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the year ahead.

I thoroughly enjoyed the seasonal festivities across the Borough and I hope you all did too. Make sure you check out pages 24 and 25 for a good selection of photographs from our events including the Christmas Light Switch Ons and the magical Enchanted Winter Garden experience.

After all the Christmas expenses, the cost of living crisis remains at the forefront of our minds. Our new Warm Welcome programme continues to support local residents by offering a warm and safe environment to socialise during the winter months. For information see pages 2 and 3.

I’m sure many of you are thinking about your New Year’s resolutions and with our fantastic value for money family membership, it’s time to kick-start your new healthy lifestyle. Make sure you check out pages 16-19 for details.

2023 is guaranteed to be an exciting year for our Borough. With significant investment, work continues in Antrim to transform the town centre and riverfront. We are also making good progress on our exciting plans for Glengormley. See pages 6 and 7 for updates.

On behalf of the Council, I would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.

Alderman Stephen Ross Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

£30m Glengormley Regeneration Projects Gather Pace

Ongoing work to transform and revitalise Glengormley town centre is progressing well, following an investment of almost £30m. The overall Glengormley regeneration project which has been supported by the UK Levelling Up Fund, the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for Communities along with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will welcome a total investment of £14 million. The project has also ignited a wave of investment from the private sector, generating over £15 million of additional investment for the town.

Contractors are now on-site at Glenwell Road, installing new modern shopfronts from Creative Tiles to the Movie House Cinema. All businesses are operating as normal with the work due for completion towards the end of January.

As the project progresses through 2023, Farmley car park will welcome a major upgrade and consideration is being given to a new one-way system from Farmley Road to Glenwell Road. As part of this upgrade and to help with traffic flow in the area, a new right-hand turning lane is planned at the junction of the Antrim Road and Glenwell Road.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the former police station site is also continuing, with plans to create a 14,000 sq ft workspace hub. The site has already undergone extensive improvements, with the creation of an open space allowing us to host a number of community events, which included a number of family fun day events over the Halloween period. Further activities are scheduled to take place in this open space including a craft market towards the end of January. The market is open to local businesses who would like to become involved and showcase their products. We will be making contact with all businesses soon about registering their interest.

Elsewhere in the town, we are looking ahead to the planned public realm scheme, which will include new pavements, street furniture, lighting and increased public pedestrian space. Further updates on this scheme will be made available soon.

Another Major Step Forward for £8m Antrim Regeneration Project

Work on the transformation projects in Antrim town are continuing as part of an £8m investment designed to breathe new life into the town centre and riverfront.

The latest phase of the project, supported by the UK Levelling Up Fund, has seen the completion of the Riverfront Regeneration Scheme at the back of the former Wellworths’ building on High Street. A new double-height glazed entrance at the rear of the building now links the town centre with the recently restored boardwalk.

The next phase of work will be the creation of the new office space on the first floor of the same building, providing 14,000sqft of flexible workspace in the heart of the town centre.

The boardwalk underwent a £350,000 restoration project this year with support from the Department for Communities, Department of Infrastructure and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. The project included replacement of timber decking and handrails, new steps onto Bridge Street and LED lighting to make the area safer.

This project is part of our plans to encourage some of the 600,000 visitors to Antrim Castle Gardens to enjoy the historic town centre and support local businesses.

The Council’s plans to transform the derelict Ulster Bar Corner continue to take shape, with the creation of a community event space and garden due to begin early this year. The project will see the long-vacant site in the heart of the town brought back to life, with features that will encourage residents to use the space:

• Dedicated Meeting Pods

These pods will be ideal for business meetings and will feature state-of-the-art Wi-Fi connections, heat, light and charging stations

• Events Space

The Council will use the space for events such as markets, outdoor cinemas and summer music but the space will be idea for use by schools, church groups and the nearby library.

The tranquil green space of the area will be ideal for health and wellbeing activities such as mindfulness.

Elsewhere, the major refurbishment of Castle Mall is progressing with the new anchor tenant, Lynas Food, set to open its 8,500sq ft store early in the year. The store will open onto Central carpark, which itself has also recently been upgraded and, later this year, work will commence to convert the disused toilet block into a drive-thru bakery.

£100m Housing Investment for Antrim Town

A major housing expansion is in the pipeline for Antrim Town, which will see a total investment of £100m and the creation of up to 100 new retail jobs.

The Council has approved plans for 525 new homes, six local shops, public spaces and a play park along the north-east edge of the town, close to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park. These new homes will be developed over the next 10-15 years.

The 26 hectare site is located on lands north, east and south of 14 Niblock Road, with a section of the site running along the railway line as far south as Stiles Way. It will be comprised of 200 detached houses, 164 semi-detached, 77 townhouses and 84 apartments, built in several phases.

This huge expansion will transform Antrim for the better, acting as a catalyst for continued economic growth in the town. It will also help with the growing demand for housing in the area, particularly from first-time buyers.

£9m Doagh Housing Project

Plans for 43 new homes in Doagh, representing an investment of up to £9m, have been given the goahead by the Council.

The development, which includes 34 semi-detached homes and nine detached, is to be built on the northern edge of the village, opposite Mill Green. Access to the new development will be from Mill Road. Up to 40 construction jobs will be created.

The project, by Kenny Homes, will help attract new residents to our Borough and provide a boost to the local economy. It also represents another step towards the Council achieving its target of securing £1bn of investment to the Borough by 2025.

Council Hosts Major Economic Conference at Kingfisher Country Estate

The Council was delighted to host the annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference at the Kingfisher Country Estate, Templepatrick on 30 November 2022.

The conference, which is now in its 27th year, provides a forum for business leaders and economic policymakers to take a day out to examine the performance of, and prospects for the local economy.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross welcomed an array of expert speakers from all sectors to the summit, which was chaired by John Campbell, BBC NI Economics and Business Editor.

The list of speakers included Financial Times columnist, Chris Giles; Director of the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, Gareth Hetherington; Chief Executive of The Consumer Council, Noyona Chundur and many more.

Jacqui Dixon, Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council gave an impactful presentation on ‘A new era of economic development’, sharing how the Council was well on track with its ambitious plans for achieving £1bn of investment and the creation of 2500 jobs by 2025.

Councillor Lynch; Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Jacqui Dixon; Councillor Bennington; Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross; Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP; Councillor Vera McWilliam; Councillor Noreen McClelland

Gareth Hetherington, Director of the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre; John Campbell, Economics and Business Editor for BBC NI; Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross; Professor Raquel OrtegaArgiles, Chair of Regional Economic Development at Alliance Manchester Business School and Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross

Local Rural Businesses get a Financial Boost Thanks to Grant Aid

After a successful application to the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA), Council was awarded £62,000 to deliver the Rural Business Development Grants Scheme to help rural businesses within the Borough.

Local rural enterprises were able to apply for up to £4,999 in funding and we are pleased to highlight just two of the success stories.

CrossFit Antrim Ltd received £3,666 towards ten new Row Erg machines, enabling them to offer a new rowing class. The new machines will allow them to expand their class size, removing the need to share equipment and allowing them to be more profitable. They hope this type of class, suitable for all ages

and fitness abilities, will also help them attract new members.

"The grant has enabled us to differentiate ourselves in the market by becoming the only CrossFit gym in the area to integrate large rowing only classes into our program. This extra equipment has also allowed us to expand our teens offering and we expect this will translate into increased revenue, especially as we enter our peak season".

Eamon McCann, CrossFit Antrim Ltd

–

Breckenhill Ltd benefitted from £4,739 towards four new robot lawnmowers, helping them expand their amenities and maintain grass areas to accommodate the growing numbers of school, corporate,

charitable and community groups that now visit Breckenhill. The project has freed up staff time and as the robot mowers are charged by solar electricity, generated on-site, this represents a positive step in reducing the business’s carbon footprint.

Young Entrepreneurs in the Making!

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week in November, the Council in collaboration with Young Enterprise, delivered a series of workshops to primary and secondary schools in the Borough.

Workshops were designed to introduce the concept of entrepreneurship and using enterprise skills to realise entrepreneurial potential.

We were thrilled that over 17 Primary Schools and five Post Primary Schools attended – a total of 715 pupils over the four days.

Primary School pupils were tasked with having a go at designing their own packaging for a juice carton after learning all about local supply chains and how to bring a product to market.

Post Primary School pupils took part in a Digital Masterclass and were then challenged to come up with their very own new digital app. The pupils then delivered a fantastic ‘Dragons' Den’ style pitch to a judging panel who voted for their favourite idea.

For details on future projects and initiatives E. skills@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

CrossFit Antrim Ltd

Shop Local This New Year!

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is urging residents to think local this New Year and shop at their local high street stores or independent retailers. A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of a village or town where people can socialise as well as shop.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said: “By shopping close to home, money is kept within the local economy, helping to boost businesses and as a result, retain jobs. Our town centres and villages have an excellent retail offering and many businesses stock items which are made locally and aren’t available in the larger outlet chains.”

Improvements to our town centres have already began and we are continuing to invest in our town centres to ensure they are an inviting place to shop and socialise. Plans include new shop fronts, public realm schemes, planting, signage and markets. See pages 6 and 7 for more details.

Calling all Businesses!

If you are a business in our Borough, then we want to hear from you. We want to know about the challenges you might be facing as a local business and what the Council can do to help.

We also want to support local business groups such as Chambers of Commerce and other business networks, to reinvigorate their activities and help ensure the future success of our local businesses and the important role they play in our towns and villages.

As a starting point, we are asking businesses to provide us with their up-to-date contact details and to indicate their preferred means for us to communicate with them. Using this feedback, we hope to have an updated communication approach established in early January 2023.

If you own, or work in a local business and want to improve engagement with Council, be involved in future economic development programmes and policies, or be contacted with important updates for your area, then please scan the QR code to complete our quick online survey.

The Wedding Centre, Randalstown

Decor Interiors, Glengormley

New Northern Ireland Planning Portal

Over the past year, we have been working in collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure and 10 out of the 11 Councils in Northern Ireland to develop and configure a new Planning Portal. This is the largest joint IT project between central and local government to date in Northern Ireland and will see benefits for all users as we align the planning process with this digital age.

The new planning portal, which went live in December 2022, will allow a better, efficient and functioning electronic planning system for our customers.

Key benefits include:

• Ability to submit planning applications and comments online as well as requests for Regional Property Certificates

• Ability to view and track live applications online

• Better user experience from an intuitive modern interface, making it easier for users to engage with the planning process

• Streamlining of internal processes to allow more efficient planning processing.

If you have any queries T. 0300 123 6677 or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/planning

Our Planning department has produced two new documents to provide our residents with further guidance relating to popular planning queries.

The first is ‘A Guide to Your Home and Planning’ and it provides residents with an overview of the types of development that can be carried out at their own homes without the need to submit an application for planning approval. It also gives advice on the circumstances when planning consent may be required and how to go about making a planning application.

The second document is ‘A Guide to Protected Trees’. This guide is designed to explain why some trees are protected and what happens if someone carries out work on a protected tree without consent.

To download a copy of either of these documents visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/planning

Which trees are protected in a Conservation Area? Trees in a Conservation Area (greater than 75mm diameter at 1.5m high) are also subject to protection as if a TPO is in place. The Council has 3 designated Conservation Areas; Merville Garden Village, Randalstown and Antrim Town Centre. How are TPOs initiated?

All requests for a TPO should be sent to the Council’s Planning Section in writing for consideration. This request should include a map identifying the specific trees referred to and the reasons why a TPO is considered to be necessary.

Additionally, the Council may initiate TPOs as a result of receipt of a planning application, the Development Plan process or in response to any perceived threat. How does the Council decide which trees to protect?

are afforded protection. Hedges, bushes and shrubs, however, are not protected.

In order to be considered for a TPO, trees must be of high amenity value and in reasonable condition. The following criteria will be used when assessing the merits of a potential TPO; 1. Potential Threat: Priority will be given to the protection of those trees deemed to be at immediate risk from active felling or damage from development on site. All other requests will be assessed and prioritised accordingly.

Rethink Waste

How much waste does your household generate? How much of that could you refuse, reduce, reuse or recycle? Here are some top tips on how you can reduce the amount of waste going to landfill from your household…

Refuse

As a Tackling Plastic Council, we have made a plastic promise to reduce the pointless use of single-use plastics. It is easy to do at home:

• Remember to bring your reusable bag to the shop

• Use a refillable water bottle

• Consider a waste free lunch

• Look for alternatives to single-use plastics in everyday life.

Reduce

Reduce food waste and make your food go further. Get creative and make a pizza with your leftover meats, cheeses and vegetables. You can even use bread-ends or tortillas as a base.

Reuse

Do you have unused spectacles? Bring them to one of our five Household Recycling Centres. They will then be collected by Antrim and Carrickfergus Lions Clubs before being sent to Lion Medico in France for repair and redistribution around the world.

Recycle

Help us to continue being the top recycler in Northern Ireland. Over 80% of the materials we collect through kerbside service are recycled in Northern Ireland. This is better for the environment, creates local jobs and boosts the economy.

Working Towards a More Sustainable Borough

The Council is delighted to achieve Platinum status in the Northern Ireland Benchmarking Survey, making it one of the country’s most sustainable organisations.

Over 100 companies across a range of different sectors measured and reported their environmental impacts for the event which took place in November at The National Football Stadium, Windsor Park.

Not only were the participating organisations acknowledged and rewarded for their green accolades but the survey also identified key areas of improvement. At a time where environmental consciousness is higher than ever, the Benchmarking Survey provides consumers with peace-of-mind that the businesses involved are prioritising their environmental responsibility in a transparent way.

The Council leads by sterling example by going above and beyond the basic legal environmental

requirements, to receive the highest grade Platinum level in the survey, demonstrating their commitment to a greener future. Further evidence of this is Council’s accredited environmental management system ISO14001, which demonstrates a commitment and requirement for ongoing improvements to reduce our impact on the environment. The system was recently independently audited with the assessor commending the Council’s overall environmental performance.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross commented, “The Council is extremely focused on providing a greener Borough for our residents to enjoy. The efforts of our sustainability working group and multiple campaigns which include; biodiversity, reducing energy, and water usage, climate action plans and our recycling initiatives have been recognised and rewarded through this remarkable achievement”.

You can find out more about what the Council is doing to tackle climate change at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/climatechange

One Million Trees Campaign

The Council’s ambitious commitment to plant one million trees commenced in November 2021 and to date there has been over 165,000 trees planted! The Council work with other key partners such as the Woodland Trust, Department for Infrastructure and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to maximise the amount of tree planting that takes place in the Borough.

Northern Ireland currently has the lowest tree cover within Europe, with just 8% cover. Trees and hedgerows are some of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against climate change.

You can help us achieve our target and help our environment by planting a tree in a pot or in your garden and let us know so we can add it to the ever growing total. If you have space for trees on your land, or if you have a site in mind and some willing volunteers, get in touch as we may be able to assist.

Queen’s Green Canopy

Council participated in the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, with people encouraged to 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee'. In total, nearly 1000 trees were planted by the Council, schools, community groups and other organisations.

The initiative has been extended to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and as a result, the Council is gifting 70 oak trees with a commemorative plaque to schools, community groups and other organisations to plant.

For more information T. 028 9034 0139 E. parksadmin@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/plantatree

Support Fairtrade Fortnight

As a Council, we are proud to be a Fairtrade Borough and from 27 February to 12 March we would like you to help us support Fairtrade Fortnight.

Did you know cocoa, bananas and coffee could soon be much more difficult to find on our shelves? Climate change is making crops like these harder and harder to grow. Combined with deeply unfair trade, communities growing these crops are struggling to make any profits.

Choosing Fairtrade options ensures that farmers in the developing world are paid a fair price for their produce. It means extra income, power and support for those communities, as they work to build sustainable and prosperous futures.

So during Fairtrade Fortnight, make sure you do your bit by choosing Fairtrade marked items and help save some of our favourite foods.

MORE Family Membership

We recently caught up with a local family

have a MORE family membership and regularly use Sixmile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare.

I’m James, my wife is Cheryl and we have three sons Andrew (13), Aaron (11) and Daniel (9). We have been taking the kids to Sixmile Leisure Centre since they were young for swimming lessons. Currently, we use the leisure centre two to three times a week. The kids go swimming, Cheryl goes to fitness classes and I can get 30 minutes to relax in the sauna. We also all play badminton together on a Friday night, it’s really good fun, and it's great family time together. I also take Andrew to the fitness suite.

Absolutely! When we counted up how much we were spending on swimming and other activities at the leisure centre, it was over £80 per month! So it was far better value for money to take out a family membership for £39 per month. Our monthly membership is cheaper than a family meal out in a restaurant! Do

We usually only use Sixmile Leisure Centre as it’s close to home, but during lockdown we used Antrim Forum running track at the stadium and that was also part of the MORE membership. The Council’s app makes it really easy to see what classes are available across the other sites and you can also book them using the app.

What would you say to other family’s considering a MORE family membership?

I would say go for it, it’s very cost-effective for a family. It’s not just a gym membership, it’s actually encouraged us to try out new activities, such as family badminton, which you wouldn’t get with just a gym membership! The staff are really friendly, they greet us by name every time we use the leisure centre and are all very genuine.

Tell us about your family and the activities you enjoy at Sixmile Leisure Centre?

Do you think the MORE family membership offers good value for money?

you only use Sixmile Leisure Centre or do you use other council leisure centres?

who

Escape Outdoors and Discover MORE

Valley Park and Glas-NaBraden Greenway

Take the children for a ride on their bikes, or your dog for a stroll and enjoy 2km of beautiful scenery along this Active Travel Route. Both the section through Valley Park and the section from Glas-Na-Braden Glen to Gideon’s Green are now complete. Safe road crossings are being developed by the Department for Infrastructure.

Ballyclare section of Doagh to Larne Greenway

The first phase of the new paths at the Ballyclare section of the Doagh to Larne Greenway is complete. The much-needed path will create connections between residential areas, town centres and schools and will also generate opportunities for leisure.

Burneys Lane Park

Burneys Lane Park is a popular place for exercise and dog walkers. This area has now been upgraded with new drainage works, tree planting, and the creation of a new path.

Rea’s Wood

Located by the scenic Antrim Lough Shore, Rea’s Wood is now more accessible for wheelchairs, buggies, and walkers. The path upgrade is now completed, and another new viewing platform has been installed, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of Lough Neagh and the rich diversity of wildlife.

Muckamore Bridge and Pathway

A new footbridge and path network have been installed for easier access, connecting the Mill Race Trail via the Oldstone Road to Muckamore Village and beyond.

Crumlin Glen

Path improvements including resurfacing trials from the bridge to the upper pathway and the installation of a handrail will make this area a more enjoyable and accessible place for people to visit. This project will be completed in spring.

22 APRIL 2023

Hazelbank Park SPRING PLANT FAIR

16-18 JUNE 2023 Antrim Castle Gardens GARDEN EXTRAVEGANZA

Featuring Diarmuid Gavin, Garden Show Ireland returns in 2023 with not one, but two fantastic events!

Head over to Hazelbank Park in April for our Spring Plant Fair and pick up everything you need to spruce up your garden for the summer. Make your way to Antrim Castle Gardens in June for the Garden Extraveganza –three days of flowers, food and fun, celebrating Antrim Castle Gardens at the height of its summer glory.

Entry to the Spring Plant Fair is FREE Garden Extraveganza early bird tickets: £10

Diarmuid Gavin

Theatre Highlights

antrim and newtownabbey .gov.uk/ events

Saturday 28 January, 10am & 2pm

The Old Courthouse

Tickets: £12, £10 (Concession), £35 (Family of 4)

Recommended Age: 1 – 8yrs

See us bring to life the story behind the song. Venture into the deep blue sea and join Baby on the adventure of a life-time.

Beth Nielsen Chapman

Performed by Beth Nielsen Chapman

Sunday 5 February, 7.45pm

Theatre at The Mill

Tickets: £27.50

Two-time Grammy nominee Beth Nielsen Chapman returns with her bluesy new single Hey Girl, her first new music in over four years.

LDN Wrestling

Saturday 4 February, 7.30pm

The Courtyard Theatre

Tickets: £15, £13 (Concession), £45 (Family of 4) The bone-crunching superstars of Wrestling are back!

Saturday 11 February, 7.45pm

Theatre at The Mill

Tickets: £20 & £18 (Concession)

Join Ireland's King of Swing Luke Thomas and his band The Swing Cats as they perform a very special Prohibition Edition of their hit show The Story Of Swing.

Thursday 16 February, 7.45pm

Theatre at The Mill

Tickets: £30

Saturday 18 February, 7.45pm

Theatre at The Mill

Tickets: £25

A Room of One’s Own

Sunday 19 February, 7pm Theatre at The Mill

Tickets: £15 & £13 (Concession)

The award-winning creators of Female Gothic, and I, Elizabeth return with a twenty-first century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated pre-TED talk.

Thursday 23 - Saturday 25 March, 7.45pm

Theatre at The Mill

Tickets: £20 & £15 (Concession

On the heels of its West End revival, multi award-winning Fortwilliam Musical Society are delighted to bring you Rogers and Hammerstein’s all-time favourite musical, Oklahoma.

Newtownabbey Full Length Drama Festival

Monday 13 – Saturday 18 March, 7.30pm

The Courtyard Theatre Tickets: £12 & £10 (Concession)

This annual festival of excellent drama presents some of the best full length plays from amateur dramatic groups from Northern Ireland and beyond.

Saturday 25 March, 7.30pm

The Old Courthouse

Tickets: £11.50

A tragic, vibrant piece of verbatim theatre, with hard hitting lessons about the use of party drugs.

Join motorcycling star Glenn Irwin and friends - Jeremy McWilliams, Alastair Seeley and Andrew Irwin - for an evening of entertainment and conversation with Stephen Watson.

Peter Corry returns with this brand new show to celebrate the best of London’s West End.

Out and About With the Mayor

Bahn Boy celebrates becoming a Chatty Cafe in support of the Loneliness Network

Warm Welcome programme which aims to bring local residents together in a warm, safe and welcoming environment during the winter months

A day out in Antrim Castle Gardens for the Borough's senior citizens

Santa Claus and Paddington Bear help the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey turn on the Christmas tree lights

A magical sold out Enchanted Winter Garden event this year

The unveiling of our completed Protector of the Lough and interpretative panels

Supporting the Women’s Aid Christmas Pyjamas Appeal

Local children Isobel Kerr and Rhys Townsend lend a helping hand to launch this year’s Christmas Community Toy Scheme

Pictured with Alison Johnston and Sarah Reed at the opening of Ten Coffee, Monkstown

We were honoured that Antrim Castle Gardens was chosen as a filming location for the Last Rifleman movie

We had a really successful School Uniform Re-Use Scheme this year - thanks to all who helped

Official launch of the new £100,000 state-of-the-art fitness equipment and modernised interactive Group Cycle studio at Ballyearl

Launching this year's Halloween events with Cole, Kason and Nevaeh Carruthers

We had great fun at all of our Christmas Light Switch On events across the Borough

Stay Warm, Well and Safe this Winter

With winter well and truly upon us, we want to ensure our residents stay warm, well and safe this winter. Below are some top tips and schemes that can help you do so…

Carbon Monoxide

Be Bright, Be Seen

If walking, running or cycling, make sure you are wearing high-visibility clothing or carrying appropriate lights, to not only light your own way, but to ensure others can see you clearly.

• If walking or running alone, make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you expect to return. We also recommend carrying an ‘In Case of Emergency’ card to provide emergency services with key health and emergency contact details. To request one of these E. pcsp@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

• Walk on pavements where possible and take extra caution when crossing roads to ensure motorists can see you

• If walking a new route, we recommend familiarising yourself with it during daylight hours

• Motorists should ensure their cars are winter ready – check tyres, brakes, wipers, screen wash and lights

• If you are cycling please ensure you check your tyres, brakes and lights.

Home Safety

With rising energy costs, many people are turning to alternative methods of heating. Make sure you do the following to prevent fires in the home:

• Carry out a bedtime routine ensuring all candles are extinguished and all appliances are switched off, especially electric blankets and heaters at this time of year

• Have a fire escape plan in place for you and your family and practise it so that everyone knows exactly what to do

• Close all doors to prevent heat and smoke entering your fire escape route.

Carbon Monoxide is a tasteless, odourless and colourless gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in. It can be produced when there is a problem burning fuel (wood, coal, heating oil and gas) and when there is insufficient ventilation due to a blocked chimney/flue, a faulty appliance or insufficient oxygen supply.

Top tips to help reduce the dangers of carbon monoxide include:

• Get appliances serviced annually - Servicing or installation of gas appliances must be carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers

• When using open fires or solid fuel stoves/ burners remember that chimneys should be swept at least once a year. Also ensure that any air vents present are kept clear too.

• Have an audible carbon monoxide alarm. If you already have them remember to regularly check they are working and that they have not passed their ‘replace by date.’

Oil Stamps

Save for your oil heating costs through the Council’s Oil Stamp Saving Scheme.

You can pick up an oil stamp saving card at any of the participating retail outlets and purchase stamps at a cost of £5 each. Stamps are placed on a savings card and then used as payment or part payment for oil from any of the participating oil companies.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/oilstamps

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Get Involved with the Big Spring Clean

Northern Ireland’s largest community clean-up, the Big Spring Clean launches on 1 March and runs through to 31 May 2023. Last year over 400 volunteers participated in our Borough’s Big Spring Clean and this year we are calling for your help.

The programme is open to individuals, families, schools and community groups who would like to clean up their local area and help keep our Borough green, clean and tidy.

For more details on how you can get involved or for the loan of equipment E. waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Take a Seat on our Buddy Benches

Bright blue ‘Buddy Benches’ are now located at Lilian Bland, Hazelbank Park, Crumlin Glen and Sixmilewater Park to add to those already installed at Castle Mall and Antrim Castle Gardens. The benches are designed to bring strangers together and get them talking to one another with the overall aim of tackling loneliness in the Borough. So, if you see someone sitting on one of our ‘Buddy Benches’ why not take a seat and keep them company.

Buddy Benches are one of the Council’s Loneliness Network initiatives which focuses on addressing loneliness throughout the Borough.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/buddy-benches

BUDDY BENCH

Our Award-Winning Borough

Towns and villages across the Borough have recently been recognised in several prestigious awards for horticultural excellence, including Northern Ireland’s annual Translink Ulster in Bloom and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Awards.

Working together with community groups, traders and individuals, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council continues to make villages and towns welcoming and attractive places to live, work and visit.

The Translink Ulster in Bloom 2022 award winners were:

• Small Town – Randalstown

• Small Village – Ballynure (first place) and Ballyeaston (third place)

• Special Award for outstanding floral presentation – McConnells Bar, Doagh.

The Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) Best Awards 2022 winners were:

• Best Kept Large Town - Antrim

• Best Kept Small Town - Randalstown

• Best Kept Large Housing Area - Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey

• The George Best Belfast City Airport Community Hero Award - Richard Wallace of Ballynure and District Community Friendship Group.

The pride and ownership the community groups have in their towns and villages was clear to be seen in this year’s results, bringing their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm together to make sure they create beautiful spaces and improve the area they live in.

For more information E. angela.ross@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Britain in Bloom Success for Randalstown

2022 was an outstanding award-winning year for Randalstown. The horticultural heroes of Tidy Randalstown celebrated after the town won two prestigious awards in the 2022 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals. Scooping the gold award and being crowned overall winner of the ‘Best Small Town’ category, Randalstown beat off tough opposition from across the UK.

Tidy Randalstown chairperson, Helen Boyd, was also named Community Champion. This is a well-deserved award for Helen, who works tirelessly within her community to ensure the continued, successful partnership with Council. Tidy Randalstown also received a certificate of achievement for their engagement with children and young people.

Randalstown was also honoured with a special tree from the Queen’s Green Canopy ‘Tree of Trees’ initiative, as part of the living legacy in honour of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Tidy Randalstown was one of only two organisations in County Antrim to have received such a gift which was presented in a pot embossed with Her Late Majesty’s cypher.

If you are a community group and are interested in receiving a tree or getting involved in a tree-planting project E. angela.ross@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Theatre at The Mill was transformed into a traditional gold mine in October as we celebrated the Spirit of Volunteering Awards and the Joan Christie Legacy Bursary Award Winners from across the Borough – our very own Golden Nuggets!

The Spirit of Volunteering Awards Ceremony recognises people who are committed to helping others, who give up their own precious time to become involved with their communities and who show dedication in their chosen role.

The Joan Christie Legacy Bursary Awards support young people, helping them to ‘Believe, Succeed and Achieve’. The bursary was set up in honour of Joan Christie CVO OBE, who stepped down from her role as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Antrim in June 2019 after 11 years of service.

Paying Tribute to Our Volunteers and Young People COMMITMENT TIME DEDICATION

The Mayor, who attended the event commented; “I know that our Borough has a volunteering population to be proud of and I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers for the dedication, time and commitment that they have given for the benefit of others."

Community Grant Aid Programme

2023-2024 Now Open for Applications

Our Annual Community Development and Festivals Grant Aid Programme is now open for applications. This funding can be used to support community based programmes and activities with a focus on community development across a wide range of age groups. Council is also keen to support those programmes actively addressing climate change in the Borough.

Community Festival Funding is also available to enhance the quality of life for local residents through participation and engagement in community, culture and arts activities.

Following consultation, our Grant Funding for 2023 has been simplified and streamlined. To assist our organisations in applying for funding we are providing grant funding information sessions in January.

For more information E. communityplanning@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

The Antrim and Newtownabbey

PEACEPLUS Partnership needs you!

Early indications show that Antrim and Newtownabbey will receive £4.3m to deliver the PEACEPLUS Local Area Action Plan. This highly anticipated programme will fund peace building initiatives and projects which will develop not only the strength, skill and resilience of our communities, but also the infrastructure within them. The programme will include a range of projects under the following three investment areas:

• Empowering Communities

• Building Positive Relations

• Reimaging Communities

The views of local residents and stakeholders will be absolutely crucial in ensuring that this is a truly co-designed programme, reflective of the needs of the local community with the ability to

positively contribute to peace for generations to come and leave a lasting and tangible legacy. To achieve this, the following public engagement events will take place across the Borough:

Venue

Dates / Session Times

Crumlin United Football Club 25 January, 2pm & 6pm

The Old Courthouse, Antrim 2 February, 2pm & 6pm

Ballyclare Town Hall 8 February, 2pm & 6pm

Toome House 15 February, 2pm & 6pm

Lilian Bland Pavilion 23 February, 2pm & 6pm

Valley Leisure Centre 1 March, 2pm & 6pm

Mossley Mill 8 March, 2pm & 6pm

For more details visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/PeacePlus

Your Councillors

THOMAS BURNS SDLP

T. 07803 535094

E. thomas.burns@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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

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

392229

E. jeannie.archibald@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Ballyclare District Electoral Area (DEA)

MANDY GIRVAN DUP

T. 07912 028945

E. mandy.girvan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

VERA MCWILLIAM UUP

T. 07792 477050

E. vera.mcwilliam@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

NORRIE RAMSAY UUP

T. 07342 064652

E. norrie.ramsay@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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

MICHAEL STEWART IND

T. 07810 868522

E. michael.stewart@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

DEPUTY MAYOR

JAY BURBANK ALLIANCE

T. 07826 513279

E. jay.burbank@ 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

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

FRASER AGNEW mbe UUP

T. 07711 135267

E. fraser.agnew@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MARK COSGROVE UUP

T. 07555 650015 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

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

TAYLOR MCGRANN SINN FÉIN

T. 07436 548081 E. taylor.mcgrann@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Threemilewater District Electoral Area (DEA)

COVERS BALLYDUFF, FAIRVIEW, JORDANSTOWN, MONKSTOWN, MOSSLEY AND ROSTULLA.

JULIAN MCGRATH ALLIANCE T. 07920 029033 E. julian.mcgrath@ 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

SAM FLANAGAN

JULIE GILMOUR ALLIANCE

T. 07796 950825

E. julie.gilmour@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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

Bin

The annual Corporate Improvement Plan, which outlines what the Council’s priorities are year to year will be published in February. More information will follow on our social media pages in the coming weeks.

The Council is reviewing its Corporate Plan for the period of 2023–2030 and beyond. To ensure the Plan focuses on what is important to our residents, we want to hear from you.

How important is it that the Council prioritises the economy, bringing new businesses and jobs to the Borough? Is improving the quality of life through our Leisure Centres, Parks, Theatres and Community Centres something that you want to see continuing? Maybe it is investing and improving our towns, villages and rural areas or taking action on climate change and recycling?

What are the things that are a priority to you?

Scan the QR code below to complete the questionnaire to win a £100 gift voucher for any business in the Borough.

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

Housing Executive Main Number (including grass cutting & graffiti)

Repairs Line Housing Benefit

028 9442 4000 028 9086 5181

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

Your feedback helps us to assess and continue to improve our service provision. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, which will help us make more progress.

For competition rules visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/competitionrules or these can be posted on request T. 0300 123 4568

1. How satisfied are you with the Council’s Waste and Recycling Service?

Please add any comments:

2. How satisfied are you with the cleanliness of the towns/ villages, parks and roads/streets in our Borough?

Cleanliness of the towns and villages

Cleanliness of the parks Cleanliness of the roads and streets

Please add any comments:

3. How often do you visit the Council’s Household Recycling Centre?

Please add any comments:

All responses received will be entered into a FREE prize draw to win one of two £50 vouchers for any food or retail outlet within our Borough.

✃ ✃ ✃

4.

12

PRIZE DRAW

Prize Draw

Or complete online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/surveys

Closing date Friday 17 February 2023

Contact name: Contact number: Contact email:

For competition rules visit antrim and newtownabbey.gov.uk/competitionrules