£367k boost for local projects

At their monthly meeting last week, members gave the go-ahead for officers to move forward with the DEA Funding Programme 2016/17.

Under the scheme, funding of up to £100,000 has been earmarked for each of the borough’s seven District Electoral Areas.

The list of projects which have been identified and prioritised for financial support in the four Newtownabbey DEAs include:

• Ballyclare (£100,000) - a feasibility study for an extension at Sixmile Leisure Centre, a Saturday/monthly market and Christmas market, an Enterprise Week in October, improvements at Sixmile Park and a feasibility study for development of a Business Improvement District.

• Glengormley Urban (£100,000) - design and consultation for a playpark project in Mayfield, a development plan for Queens Park, investigation of provision for seniors and for young people in the Carnmoney area, creation of ‘an informal football pitch’ at New Mossley and further development of the Glenwell Concept Plan.

• Macedon (£85,000) - development of new facilities at Whitehouse, Abbots Cross and King’s Park primary schools, design and consultation for an allotments project in Rathcoole and exploring the need for a community facility in Longlands.

• Threemilewater (£82,500) - development of provision at Hollybank Primary School, improvement works at Threemilewater Park and a revamp of the community garden in Hedgelea.

A sum of £22,000 has also been earmarked for borough-wide projects such as CCTV cameras and alternative transport provision.

It was proposed by Cllr Philip Brett, seconded by Cllr Billy Webb and agreed that the schedule of projects, including the indicative budgets, be approved. Members also approved the proposed approach to implementation of the DEA funding programme.