Festive lighting will continue to twinkle in Antrim and Newtownabbey

Some decorations that are “not Christmas specific” are to be left at their present locations.

Council officers are to develop a “modest lighting plan” which will see some “festive” lighting features continuing to shine across the borough.

The council has already agreed an illumination project for 2022 highlighting key civic features including Ballyclare Town Hall, Lilian Bland Park in Glengormley, Randalstown Viaduct, Crumlin Clock Tower and the Antrim under-pass and courthouse.

Trees and the sculpture at Lillian Bland Park will be illuminated as part of the scheme.

In Randalstown, an upgrade to the existing lighting to the viaduct walkway is planned as well as the eye-catching addition of colour-changing lights illuminating the viaduct.

The borough’s town centres are to be animated and illuminated as part of the council’s post-Covid economic recovery with funding of £0.5m anticipated from the Department for Communities.

It is one of a number of local regeneration programmes which are earmarked for financial support. The council is expected to contribute 10 per cent  of the cost of the scheme £47,350.

Meanwhile, Nick Harkness, the council’s director of Community Planning, told the meeting he has been advised by the contractor employed to bring down the borough’s Christmas lighting that current Covid restrictions mean that two workers are not allowed to be in a cherry picker, so larger decorations will have to remain in place in the meantime.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

Click here to read: £165k cost for seasonal lights in Antrim and Newtownabbey, councillors told

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