Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £150,000 for a Revitalisation scheme in Ballyclare.

Minister McCausland said: "I am pleased to confirm a commitment I made earlier in the year towards funding a revitalisation schemes for Ballyclare. These schemes have worked very well in other towns and I am sure it will reflect really positively on the overall appearance of properties in the town centre. We need to improve and re-invigorate our towns by enhancing shop frontages, derelict and vacant sites, making them more appealing to shoppers and visitors alike."

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Taking forward a Revitalisation scheme in Ballyclare was one of the short term actions identified in the Newtownabbey Regeneration Strategy. Developed by the Ballyclare Chamber of Trade with assistance from Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Department for Social Development, the scheme aims to make the town centre more vibrant and attractive to shoppers and visitors. A branding and marketing campaign will also be developed to promote the town centre following the property improvements which should lead to increases footfall and sales for all traders.

The Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Victor Robinson welcomed the investment, added: "The Council is delighted that DSD has approved this funding to improve the Main Street and lower end of the Square in Ballyclare, which will complement a number of initiatives the Council has already carried out in the town centre. We look forward to working closely with Ballyclare Chamber of Trade and DSD to ensure the town remains a vibrant and viable offering for traders, residents and visitors and to progressing the other initiatives within the Newtownabbey Regeneration Strategy."

(CD/GK)