Almost £1m funding to aid economic recovery

The various projects and schemes which are ongoing were jointly funded by Department for Communities (£507k), Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (£102k) and Department for Infrastructure (£363k).

The government guidelines regarding social distancing has reduced the indoor capacity for customers and as a result, the Council introduced an awning scheme whereby businesses could apply to have an awning designed and installed for their premises. To date, 85 businesses across the Borough will be provided with awnings as part of this scheme. This scheme will help these businesses to expand their premises outside of their current sites, increasing customer capacity whilst also ensuring social distancing.

A further £54k has been allocated to various Regeneration Schemes across the Borough including Canal Walk improvements in Toome and Environmental Improvements in Templepatrick and Glengormley to make the Borough a more attractive place to work, live and visit. To enhance the visitor experience in the Borough, a further £20k will be invested in the brown signage for attractions and facilities. The signage will help visitors orientate themselves and play a significant role in the quality of the visitor experience in the Borough.

The Council is also supporting The Prince’s Trust who target support at young people aged 16-30 who live in the Borough with the aim of helping them progress into employment, education and/or training. The funding will be used to help remove the barriers to support for young people, as well as to help The Princes Trust deliver their services.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said: “I welcome this wide array of schemes and grants that will help our local economy recover. Almost £1m will be invested across the Borough and I am pleased we can offer a helping hand to those that need it most. It has been a challenging year for businesses in our Borough and this funding will go some way to supporting their recovery through 2021.”

For details on the funding email [email protected] or Text BUSINESS to 80039.

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