A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR BALLYMONEY

The aim of the project is to support existing traders, promote the town and improve the attractiveness of the shop frontages.

Shoppers in the town recently cannot fail to have noticed the flurry of activity as scaffoldings appeared almost daily.

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.”

Former Mayor of Ballymoney 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.

“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.”