Green initiatives compete for Northern Ireland ‘Best Kept’ awards

As well as categories for towns and villages, individual schools and healthcare facilities are also invited to showcase the efforts being made to create safer, cleaner, healthier and more sustainable places to work, live and play.

Judges will consider a range of criteria, including “floral displays, grass roots environmental projects, and an absence of litter and graffiti”.

They will also look for “underlying evidence of community participation in environmental initiatives, including the promotion of recycling and wildlife conservation”.

This year’s NI Amenity Council’s (NIAC) Best Kept awards – launched at Knockbreda Nursery School in Belfast yesterday – are being support by George Best Belfast City Airport.

There were more than 500 entries across all of the categories last year.

NIAC president Doreen Muskett said: “Every single person who participates in this competition is helping to make a real difference in their local area. We know having a good quality environment cannot be under estimated, it can have a big impact on our communities, health and well-being.”

Ms Muskett added: “We are certain that the 20th year of the third millennium will uncover many inspirational stories, which we can’t wait to hear.”

Stephen Patton of Belfast City Airport praised the initiative for encouraging individuals “to adopt a sense of civic pride”.

The closing date for the Best Kept School Awards is March 13. The Best Kept Town, Village and Housing Area Awards close on April 17 and the Healthcare Facility Awards are open until May 15, 2020.

Further information is available at www.bestkeptawardsni.com or by calling the NI Amenity Council on 028 9040 3681.