‘Significant’ role for new council

The event was held to inform local community groups about the new powers and responsibilities that councils will have from April 2015.

Delegates were told of councils’ “significant” powers in terms of community planning, regeneration and land use planning.

The event was attended by community groups from across the new Mid and East Antrim Council area which covers the current council areas of Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne.

Groups were updated on the details of Local Government Reform, including the new council’s community planning responsibilities, and the types of planning applications that the Mid and East Antrim Council will decide.

James McKay, chairman of North Antrim Community Network, commented: “It is important that communities are involved in community planning, in partnership with the new council and other agencies, to ensure that the needs of their communities continue to be addressed. This will be particularly important given the challenges of potential lower budgets and cuts in services.”

“North Antrim Community Network and South Antrim Community Network are here to support groups through this transition.”

“We would encourage groups to contact us if they need any support or to find out more about changes facing local councils. Our office telephone number is 028 2177 2100 or email: [email protected].”