£200,000 revitalisation investment supporting trade and investors

The announcement by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland is aimed at supporting trade in the area whilst promoting the town to outside investors and making the town centre an attractive offering for prospective businesses.

Mr Paisley commented: “It is of significant importance to small towns like Ballymoney that efforts are continually being made to sustain and develop the businesses already established there.

“Funding like this affords traders the opportunity to promote their businesses to a wider audience as an increasing footfall of town centre shoppers will hopefully be brought about as a result of the ‘Town Centre Masterplan’.”

Minister McCausland said: “One of the key proposals in the action plan for the Ballymoney Town Centre Masterplan is to enhance the character of the conservation area and quality of shop fronts.

“This funding will help to accomplish this important first step towards implementing the Masterplan and will have a real impact on the lives of those who live, work or shop in Ballymoney.

Mayor of Ballymoney Borough Council, Bill Kennedy, said: “This investment, providing the opportunity for property owners to improve the appearance of buildings in Main Street and Castlecroft, will benefit the town centre creating a more attractive shopping environment for businesses, local people and visitors.

“Council looks forward to working alongside DSD to implement the initiative, the first to roll out from the town masterplan.

“The shop front improvement programme, coupled with a marketing and events plan to promote the destination, will I hope, as well as increasing footfall, also stimulate and encourage new business to locate in our town centre and re-occupy some long term empty properties and create employment.”

Mr Paisley concluded: “The investment is another sure sign that our economy is once again going from strength to strength.

“ I am delighted Ballymoney has been granted the opportunity to make it the attractive and lucrative town centre that it has been in years gone by.”

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