£1.27m Village Renewals Scheme Progresses Across Mid & East Antrim

Several projects have commenced under the £1.27 million village renewals scheme in Mid and East Antrim.

The Village Renewal Programme will see investment in 17 villages across the region.

Renovations in Ahoghill will see a new four-sided pillar clock being erected in the heart of the village, complete with Westminster chimes. Funding will also help towards enhancements of the Diamond area making it a more attractive space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

In Broughshane the existing play area, at Knockan Road, will be updated with an emphasis placed on the provision of inclusive play equipment for users of all abilities. Some of the equipment to be installed will include a wheelchair roundabout, a 30m cableway, an integrated trampoline and a four-person see-saw with inclusive seats.


Work to be carried out on the harbour in Carnlough will include the provision of decorative exposed aggregate surfacing, new seats and steel planters. The space overlooking the harbour, known as Hurry Head, will also be upgraded with three picnic tables, additional seats and greenery.

Portglenone Marina will receive five new 7.5m floating finger jetties allowing longer boats to use the facilities. In addition, there will be seven pieces of outdoor fitness equipment for Portglenone to be installed adjacent to the performance space and children's play area at the marina.

Both Ballycarry and Clough are benefitting from the Village Renewal Scheme through the installation of new MUGA pitches.

Ballycarry's new floodlight MUGA pitch is being laid on the former all weather kick-about area and will measure 30m long by 17m wide. Football nets and line markings will be provided and the area will be enclosed with steel fencing.

Clough's MUGA pitch will be situated on a small grass open space adjacent to the children's play area and will facilitate a variety of sports and other activities.

Work on all of these projects is expected to be completed by early June.

The Village Renewal Programme is funded by Council and DAERA with support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

(CM/MH)