Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has received 29 Green Flag awards, the highest number of Green Flags the Council has ever achieved for its sites and community spaces.

The Green Flag certification assures visitors that these sites are internationally recognised for their high standards of maintenance, safety and amenities that promote healthy lifestyles.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the environmental charity that organises these awards locally, announced that Antrim and Newtownabbey's 19 Council sites and 10 community spaces have received this prestigious accolade at the awards ceremony held at The Island Arts Centre in Lisburn. Notably, Cranfield Church and Holy Well community have joined the list of distinguished recipients

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly said: "Our Parks and Open Spaces play a pivotal role in our local communities offering residents a place to relax, play, socialise and exercise. With our commitment to inclusivity, we’ve enriched these spaces with the introduction of new Sensory Gardens and invested in significant improvements to our pitches, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs of our residents.

-- Advertisement --

"Congratulations to the dedicated community groups and teams that work tirelessly to maintain these exceptional sites. Their efforts make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our local people and wildlife."

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council sites which received a Green Flag Award include:

• Antrim Castle Gardens (Heritage)

• Antrim/Belmont and Six Mile Cemetery

• Antrim Loughshore and and Gateway

• Ballynure Old Graveyard

• Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Hazelbank Park and Gideons Green

• Kilbride Cemetery

• Lilian Bland Park

• Mallusk Cemetery

• Mill Race Trail

• Newtownabbey Way

• Randalstown Riverside Walk

• Rashee Cemetery

• Sentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre (Heritage)

• Sixmile Water Park

• Valley Park (V36 and Glas-na-braden Glen)

• Wallace Park

• Crumlin Glen

• Threemilewater Park

• Whiteabbey Glen

The Green Flag Community Awards were presented to:

• Sentry Hill Community Garden

• Maine Fold - Randalstown

• Clotworthy Courtyard at Antrim Castle Gardens

• Duneane Community Gardens

• Cranfield Church and Holy Well

• Ballyeaston Church Ruin

• Elevation

• Toome Linear Walk

• The Sovereign Complex

• Monkstown Village Community Garden