Ballyclare town centre is to benefit from a £450,000 cash injection aimed at regenerating the area.

The scheme, which will include the replacement of existing paving, kerbing and street lighting, was announced by the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie.

Street furniture at the Town Hall square will also be upgraded, and street lighting along Main Street replaced.

Ms Ritchie said: "These improvements will significantly enhance the appearance of the Ballyclare town centre making it more appealing to tourists, residents and businesses alike.

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"Attracting more people into the town has the potential to act as a catalyst to reinvigorating the town centre, leading to an improvement in trading conditions and encouraging more private sector investment in Ballyclare."

Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Victor Robinson, said: "We are very excited about the Public Realm scheme designed for Ballyclare.

"We are confident that the scheme will encourage economic development in the town, promote the town as a tourist destination and create a sense of civic pride."

The public realm improvement scheme will be directed by the Department for Social Development, in partnership with Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Roads Service.

Work is expected to start at the end of this month and will be completed by March 2009.

(PR)