Community Centre boost for Ballee

It was revealed at that forum last Monday night that the Department of Social Development (DSD) had committed £260,000 towards the total £295,000 cost of the substantial refurbishment.

A £35,000 contribution would be made by Ballymena Borough Council, members were told.

They also heard that the scheme would include a replacement roof for the building and refurbishment of the interior.

Work is due to commence in September following approval of the business case said Chief Executive Anne Donaghy who added that elected members had lobbied hard, and successfully so, for the scheme.Welcoming the centre revamp, were Ballymena South Councillors Martin Clarke and Beth Adger, the latter commenting that the people of Ballee “have waited a long time for it”.

And in a statement issued on Friday, Braid Councillor and North Antrim MLA Paul Frew also welcomed the announcement of the funding by Minister Nelson McCausland.

He said: “Last year we invited the DSD Minister Nelson McCausland down to Ballymena to talk through some of the issues we as a town face. We talked about Town Centre Development and there has been movement in that regard and work still ongoing.

“We also showed him around all of our large housing developments, Ballee being one of these and he seen at first hand the community centre and surroundings. He also had an opportunity to meet with community volunteers.

“I along with DUP Councillor’s for Ballymena South have also ensured that Ballee Community Centre is top priority on Council’s Programme of Capital Spend in next years budget and the remaining funds will be available to commence this very important project,” said Mr Frew who paid tribute to Margaret McKeown and others in the locale who had worked hard behind the scenes “to see this aspiration as a reality”.

Mr Frew said: “The various groups and community networks in Ballee do a tremendous amount of work and I know the community in Ballee value the centre as it is and all the activity that takes place, The refurbishment of Ballee community centre will enhance that service to an even greater level and will make things possible that haven’t been to date and I look forward to the work commencing in the future.”