Coronavirus: Community centres and council buildings to remain open in Newtownabbey

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council announced yesterday evening that Antrim Civic Centre, Mossley Mill, community centres and pavilions will remain open to the public, however, all classes, courses and bookings are cancelled at these venues.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The decision has been made following the latest expert advice from the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health regarding increasing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

“Statutory services including registration of births, deaths and marriages, Environmental Health, Planning, Building Control, Parks and Cemeteries and waste collection services will continue.

“The council will monitor this ongoing situation and will make changes as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities to help with these measures.”

All leisure, sports and cultural facilities have been closed to the public since last night (March 18). All events, exhibitions and courses are also cancelled in response to Covid-19.

Closures will apply to Allen Park, Antrim Forum, Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, Crumlin Leisure Centre, Sixmile Leisure Centre, Valley Leisure Centre, Lilian Bland/Glengormley Pavilion, Valley Pavilion, Theatre at The Mill, Museum at The Mill, The Old Courthouse, The Courtyard Theatre, Ballyclare Town Hall, Sentry Hill, Clotworthy House (gardens remain open), The Whitehouse and Pogue’s Entry Craft Studio.

Commenting on the issue, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ald John Smyth, said: “This is a challenging and fast-moving state of affairs that requires careful decision making to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our residents, colleagues and families are protected at all times.

“The public must heed the advice of the experts and ensure they take all the essential measures to guard their safety and that of others, especially those more vulnerable during these difficult times.

“Both civic centres remain open, council’s statutory services will continue, our staff will be reporting for work and our parks and recycling centres remain open.

“I would like to thank the council staff working to maintain essential services, and those at the frontline of our Health Service or caring for others.

“I would urge residents across the borough to remain calm, and to pull together so we can meet these challenges as a united and resilient community.”