Plans to improve access and movement in and around Antrim town centre have been devised by the Roads Service.

An Accessibility Sub-Group, set up by Antrim Borough Council, has been working with various government agencies and local traders to address the issue.

Following consultation with Roads Service, the department has discussed a range of options to try and resolve some of the access problems through a phased programme of street reconfiguration.

Karen Brown, Antrim Borough Council's Development Manager for Regeneration and Enterprise, said: "Phase one was implemented in 2007 and involved the installation of a new zebra crossing at Castle Way, end on parking in the upper part of Church Street and parking bays at Fountain Street.

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"Phase two involves reducing the pedestrianised area in High Street and replacing it with short-term car parking spaces, a taxi rank and additional disabled and service bays."

Ms Brown continued: "DRD Roads Service confirms that the necessary legislation for phase two has been approved and works for the new parking provision and taxi rank for Antrim town remain on schedule for mid-September."

The Council has recently been notified by DRD Roads Service that Northern Ireland Water is developing a programme of major sewerage improvements for Antrim town centre.

This work will involve the laying of a new wastewater pipeline in Railway Street, Church Street, High Street and Market Square with service connections into various buildings.

It is expected this work will impact on the programme for upgrading of the streets and delay the planned resurfacing.

The local wastewater project will also delay progress on implementing phase three of the town centre parking scheme for High Street and Railway Street.

Work planned involves the provision of a central island in High Street and a one-way system in Railway Street.

Necessary legislation for the new parking bays and the one-way system will, however, still progress in readiness for when the NI Water's works are completed.

(PR/JM)