The Minister for Environment, Arlene Foster, met with members of Newtownabbey Borough Council last week at Mossley Mill, to discuss the future development of the Council's headquarters.

The Minister was given a presentation by the Council board, which included the Mayor of Newtownabbey Nigel Hamilton, on the proposals to complete the development of the Mill.

The £15 million project includes the restoration and fitting out of the remaining two original Mill buildings and the provision of a new multi-purpose community, arts and culture facility capable of staging conferences, exhibitions, functions and arts and cultural events. Other issues were also discussed relating to planning and reorganisation of local government.

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The meeting was followed by a tour of the Mill, allowing the Minister to see the current conditions of areas included the Phase II proposals.

Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: "I was fascinated at the development in the old Mossley Mill and very interested in meeting Borough Council members. They have made valuable comments in their representations which I welcome and will help me in future deliberations at the Assembly."

Mayor Nigel Hamilton said: "The minister's visit has been a very positive move for our planned proposals for Mossley Mill and we hope we have secured her support. We are optimistic that we are now a step closer to achieving what will be a state of the art administrative, environmental and artistic centre for the Borough of Newtownabbey.

"We regard ourselves as being a progressive Council, forward thinking and visionary in our approach to the community, which is the centrepiece for what we do."

(LC/SP)