A public realm scheme costing around half a million pounds has kicked off in Newtownabbey.

The project, devised by the local borough council, Road Service and Department for Social Development, will transform the Ballyclare Square area.

Work – valued at around £465,000 - is scheduled for completion by the end of March next year

As part of the scheme, roads around the public square will be resurfaced, streetlights replaced and granite paving laid.

Dubbed the Ballyclare Enviornmental Improvement Scheme, the project will be divided into two phases.

Work will break in December for Christmas, and recommence early in January.

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A Roads Service spokesman said: "We plan to use this opportunity to amend the layby at the south end of The Square, where parked vehicles overhang the narrow footway and impede pedestrians.

"It is proposed to widen the footway and change the existing end-on parking to parallel parking.

"This will have the added benefit of reducing conflicting traffic movements, although it will result in a small reduction in the number of available parking spaces."

Former Mayor Paul Girvan welcomed the project, which has been backed by Newtownabbey Town Centre Management and Ballyclare Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Mr Girvan lauded South Antrim MP Willy McCrea for his part in progressing the scheme.

"It will be a marvellous improvement on what we currently have," added Alderman Girvan.

Dr McCrea had previously expressed fears the project may not go ahead.

He welcomed the commencement of work.

"The project will help to improve the pedestrian area in the centre of the town,

"I look forward to further investment in the town after the scheme has been completed," said the MP.

(PR)