Three Antrim villages have been awarded funding to support their recovery after a difficult couple of years.

Over £710,000 was secured for the regeneration of Templepatrick, Doagh and Burnside under the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme.

This investment will see schemes such as shop front improvement, illumination, public realm and more delivered. Further works include environmental improvements, CCTV, artwork and the repurposing of vacant sites or properties.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said: "We are really pleased to have been successful with these village projects. They will make a major difference to the attractiveness of each and support the local businesses and communities during what has been a challenging few years.

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"What is exciting is that the final projects will be shaped through engagement of the local community and businesses, they will be able to shape their village's final projects to suit their needs."

The final plans will be agreed with the communities and businesses of the villages as they will be consulted on the outline plans and eligible projects.

The programme is managed by the Department for Communities (DfC), Department of Finance (DfI) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey commented: "This collaborative programme is supporting regeneration projects which will make our small towns and villages more appealing, accessible, vibrant and welcoming. The programme will complement efforts to help rural communities and settlements recover from the impact of the COVID pandemic, by investing in facilities and infrastructure and improving place-making."