Council budgetprovision for Townscape Heritage

During a recent Development Committee meeting members heard that a bid had been made by Ballymoney Regeneration Company and supported by Council.

The report explained: ‘Following Council’s decision to progress a bid for this funding initiative, preliminary research and consultation has commenced.

‘It is recommended that budget provision of 5,000 be made available to provide consultancy support for a bid by Ballymoney Regeneration Company, supported by Council.’

The Head of Corporate and Development Services informed members of research and consultation, advices and survey work undertaken to date and advised that an initial draft proposal had been developed for tow regeneration clusters: Diamond Area where four major streets meet, leading to recently refurbished Town Hall and Victoria Street leading to Church Street.

Members were in favour of the initiative to improve and enhance the character and appearance of the town, with the provision of funding to enable work to be undertaken.

The Head of Corporate and Development Services advised that the first phase of the application process was competitive.

The closing date for an application is November 30 and if successful support from the HLF would be available to develop the stage two proposal for delivery of the five year scheme.

It was proposed by Cllr Ian Stevenson and seconded by Alderman Frank Campbell.