Take pride in Ballymena scheme launched

The scheme, aimed at helping volunteers to take practical action to improve their local environment is a joint venture between environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Ballymena Borough Council.

Both bodies will also with working with the Department of the Environment and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to launch the ‘Live Here, Love Here’ small grants scheme which is designed to tackle issues such as poor environmental quality, littering and dilapidation, by encouraging volunteers to take practical action in their local communities.

The scheme forms part of the wider ‘Live Here, Love Here’ programme, which includes an innovative media campaign, due to launch at the beginning of next year, and the creation of a calendar of volunteering opportunities to encourage participation all year round.

The scheme is open to constituted volunteer groups operating in the Ballymena Borough Council area taking action to improve their local environment. The deadline for applications is noon on 22 September 2014.

For more information on the ‘Live Here, Love Here’ small grants scheme and to download an application pack please visit the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful website at www.keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org/liveherelovehere.aspx or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/keepnorthernirelandbeautiful

Commenting on the initiative Head of Environmental Health for Ballymena Borough Council, Nicola McCall said: “We are delighted to support this scheme and would strongly encourage volunteer groups to come forward and apply for this funding opportunity.

“The scheme will provide vital support for local groups working on the ground to improve their local environment and bring about positive change for communities across the council area.”