What next for Nortel site?

Although no formal announcement has been made, it is believed administrators of the former Nortel factory are looking to dispose of the site which includes the seven-acre grounds that the club occupies.

A report presented to Newtownabbey Borough Council this week highlighted the club’s plight and elected representatives were told the factory had entered administration and “all staff had vacated the site”.

The club said it had a “gentleman’s agreement” in place with Nortel to allow it to use the site, provided it could sustain itself.

However, without a formal agreement in place, the club has said it is in a “precarious” position and officials have been advised that it may not be allowed on the site after December.

At this week’s monthly council meeting the club highlighted the “significant impact” its closure would bring to the area.

Read the full story in this week’s Times...