Mid and East Antrim keen to ‘green’ town centre alleyways

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has outlined plans for projects as part of a post-Covid urban revitalisation programme.

The council has proposed a project for “green walls” in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena town centres which would feature either real or synthetic plants in a bid to “provide an additional green space” and a “feature wall” in each of the towns.

The council is also seeking to improve town centre “linkages”. A number have been identified to be spruced up by cleaning and for the provision of planters to improve pedestrian access.

In a recent letter to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: “I an very supportive of efforts of local communities to improve the appearance of alleyways and other similar spaces within their areas.

The minister pointed out that the majority of alleyways are not owned by the department, however, she indicated that there is “scope” for the department to provide funding to councils for “greening of alleyway” initiatives.

The council was advised that funding may be provided for funding for proposals which have community support and a commitment from residents to provide longterm care.

Proposals must include planting to provide “small scale green spaces in urban areas” and make alleyways and similar spaces more attractive for walking, cycling and other activities which enhance well-being.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

Click here to read: Art tribute to Larne’s tourism pioneer reinstated

--

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.