Residents' Forum suspends delivery service as restrictions relaxed

Volunteers from the group have spent lockdown providing community support initiatives in the town, including the delivery of groceries and meals to vulnerable residents.

Their work was recognised recently with the presentation of certificates by Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston.

"The past 14 weeks has been a challenging journey for everyone, and whilst it's a time we never would wish to see again, we can honestly say we'd be back there again in a heartbeat if our community needed us," said Alan Withers, group chairman.

"It has been a privilege to have been able to provide help and support and hopefully have made a difference in people's lives during this time.

"The group, I hope have shown the best side of community spirit, to all sides of the community. We started with funds that had been raised for the 2020 culture and heritage celebrations in the borough. In the end we relied on public donations and fund raising efforts and you all have been very generous. We thank you all; your donations allowed us to provide for longer.

"We have worked alongside other support network forums, so thanks to them also. Let's hope we can all work together in future and collectively continue to make this community the best it can be and a place we are proud to call our home town."