Further public realm works are being carried out in Ballymena.

Improvements to Pat's Brae will include new paving, drainage and street lighting.

The Department for Communities has provided £259,200 of funding with the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council contributing £28,800.

It comes as a £390,000 improvement scheme on Lower Mill Street, Ballymena, which started earlier this year, has been completed.

The Pat's Brae public realm improvements, together with Lower Mill Street, will mean the main pedestrian routes from the train and bus station to Ballymena town centre are greatly improved. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure, which is managing the works.

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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "The completion of the scheme on Lower Mill Street and the commencement of the Pat’s Brae scheme, shows my Department’s continued investment in Ballymena town centre. These improvements come at a key time, as town centres begin the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and my Department is committed to aiding that recovery. Not only does the scheme on Pat’s Brae improve pedestrian routes to the town centre, but it also links access to Ballymena Library, a key asset within the town centre. With restrictions being lifted, people and visitors can return to Ballymena town centre and can see these improvements."

Lower Mill Street is now in full use and, while work is ongoing on Pat's Brae, access to premises remains available.