Parks and recycling centres reopening in Mid and East Antrim

Gates have been unlocked at Larne Town Park, Shaftesbury Park in Carrickfergus, Ecos and People’s Park in Ballymena.

However, playgrounds remain shut and exercise equipment is out of bounds. Parks can only be accessed on foot or by bicycle.

All adjoining carparks are still closed.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “In consultation with our group party leaders, council has made the decision to reopen a number of our town parks to enable local residents access to green space for their daily exercise.

“Residents are reminded of their responsibility to ensure they use the facilities in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

“Council staff will closely monitor the situation to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Anybody breaching public health guidelines will be asked to leave the parks, and if required, council will notify our colleagues in the PSNI of any issues.”

In addition, council has announced the reopening of recycling centres in the borough.

The recycling centres in Larne and Carrickfergus will reopen on Monday at 9am.

The council explained: “In consultation with group party leaders, council has made the decision to reopen its household recycling centres, as these have been determined by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as providing an essential service.

“The decision to reopen was debated at length, but it was felt that it was reasonable, appropriate and would reduce community frustration, as well as provide a much-needed and essential service for our residents.

“Council thanks our citizens for all their patience and for the upturn in recycling in recent weeks as they have made a determined effort to ensure their waste is segregated and recycled.”

Users must provide identification as a driving licence or photographic proof of address will be required for access.

The local authority has stated that the facility will be available for the community to dispose of “household waste ie black bags accumulated in recent weeks”.

Fly tipping has been reported at several locations in Mid and East Antrim.

DUP Knockagh Councillor Marc Collins  said that he has raised the issue of fly-tipping with the council’s Chief Executive Anne Donaghy and senior council officers.

Alliance Larne Lough Councillor Danny Donnelly reported that disposable gloves are being discarded indiscriminately in the street.

He reminded that fixed penalties of £80 can be issued by the local authority to offenders.

The council has stressed that public health guidelines must be adhered to at recycling centres and motorists and people should offload their own household waste to “ensure social distancing”. No vans or trailers will be “accepted”.

The council is also urging householders to “avoid big clear outs”.

“It’s really tempting to do a big clear-out while most of us are at home at the minute.

“Unfortunately it creates more rubbish and recycling for council crews to collect at a time when they are working hard to keep services going.

“Help our crews out by holding onto large items such as furniture, mattresses etc. until the risk has settled and services return to normal.”

Ballymena’s recycling centre at Waveney Road will be open from today, from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm.

The same temporary arrangements will apply.

by Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter