Antrim and Newtownabbey businesses awarded CCTV funding
Almost £50,000 has been awarded to businesses in Antrim and Newtownabbey to step up security through a CCTV scheme.
A total of 30 businesses have received funding to date with eight completed in Crumlin at a cost of £16,335; eight in Glengormley costing £12,833; six in Antrim, £9,509; four in Ballyclare and four in Randalstown through phase one of the scheme.
In February 2022, a budget of £327,500 was approved by the borough council for the CCTV scheme of which £49,635. was awarded in the first phase.
The scheme provides financial assistance to install external, public facing CCTV systems and associated equipment.
Grant funding of £19,829 to 10 eligible applicants has been awarded under phase two and a further five applications have been received from businesses in Ballyclare; Doagh; Monkstown; Carnmoney and Mossley requesting a total grant assistance of £8,115.
At the latest meeting of the borough council’s Economic Development Committee, it was agreed to issue letters of offer to the latest five business applicants.
A report to the committee said that the scheme is focused on”supporting local businesses, reducing anti-social behaviour and crime hot-spots, and improving the safety and wellbeing of the public. The second phase prioritises areas highlighted by the PSNI.
It is expected that the scheme will remain open with a further call for applications, in particular, those located in Crumlin, Randalstown and Ballyclare.
Stephen Norris, deputy director of regeneration and infrastructure, told the committee that the council will “continue to promote applications in key locations in the borough”.