Over 50 Mid and East Antrim town centre traders seek revitalisation aid

More than 50 Mid and East Antrim businesses have applied for financial assistance to help them recover from the impact of Covid-19 under the Town Centre Revitalisation Scheme.
The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, highlighting the grants initiative in Larne.The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, highlighting the grants initiative in Larne.
The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, highlighting the grants initiative in Larne.

The programme, funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), will help deliver measures that provide a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors, shoppers and workers (read more here).

The Covid-19 emergency has had a detrimental impact across the borough’s three largest town centres and rural villages. The funding scheme will complement efforts by council’s Economic Development and Town Centre teams to support the business community during the recovery phase, which has also seen the distribution of 700 retail recovery support packs, webinars, grant application support, funded training, risk assessment support and marketing activities.

Businesses in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus, as well as the villages of Ahoghill, Broughshane, Cullybackey and Whitehead, who meet the eligibility criteria, were invited to apply for the grants earlier this month.

To date, 54 businesses have applied to the scheme.

The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, said: “Our town centres are at the very heart of our local communities and this investment by DfC and DAERA is well-deserved recognition of the critical role they play in driving our local economy.

“The Town Centre Recovery Group which was set up has been working tirelessly to do all they can to assist businesses through this difficult period and these grants will only aid that recovery.”

To find out more details and to apply,login to the grants portal at https://mea.eformz.info/

The programme budget is limited, and funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The application process will close on September 28, or earlier if the available funds are allocated.

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