Other News In Brief

100 Year Old Garden Centre's Festivities Recognised By Mayor

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper, has visited Hillside Garden Centre which has created cherished Christmas memories for 100 years.

Hillside Garden Centre in Newtownabbey was established in 1921 by local dairy farmer, Robert Hugh Kirkpatrick, and has become a destination for quality plants, unique gifts, and captivating Christmas experiences.

Their Christmas shop is a time-honoured tradition within the garden centre and has been a source of inspiration for generations of families seeking the perfect Christmas decorations and gifts.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper, said: "It was wonderful to call into Newtownabbey’s local Garden Centre to enjoy a journey through a Winter Wonderland, with an array of local produce, festive decorations, and captivating displays. The transformation of this garden centre over the decades has been remarkable and Council is delighted to work closely with them and value their support, particularly with our stand at the Balmoral Show over the years. I wish them all the best for their future plans."

Works Begin On New Multi-Use Games Areas In Causeway Communities

Construction works have begun on new multi-use games areas (MUGAs) for two rural communities in Causeway Coast and Glens.

Located at St John's Primary School in the village of Dernaflaw outside Dungiven and at Magilligan Community Centre , the new MUGAs will provide space for a variety of sports for all ages and abilities. The facilities will also have floodlights, making them available for use during the dark evenings during winter.

The new facilities are being created as part of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Stephen Callaghan said: "These exciting new developments will be a major boost for the communities in Dernaflaw and Magilligan and will provide much needed all-weather outdoor recreation spaces, as well as making a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents.

"I am very grateful to the Department of Agriculture Environment & Rural Affairs and the Department for Communities for this funding and of course, to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for its financial assistance."

Construction work started earlier this month and is expected to last 12 - 16 weeks

City Baths Reopened To Key User Groups

Derry City and Strabane District Council has opened the City Baths to key user groups to provide feedback on the facilities ahead of the official opening in January 2024.

The facility which is located in William Street is the oldest of its kind in the Council area and has been closed since the pandemic for essential maintenance and health and safety works to be carried out.

Regular users of the facility were provided with a special pre-Christmas preview and trial of the facility with a limited number of sessions and services being made available ahead of the official launch.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue said: "This is a very special occasion for me personally and for the entire local community who have a very close affiliation with the City Baths. This is first and foremost a community facility that is used and loved by all ages. It is the heart of the community and to see its doors open again is good news for everyone. I am delighted to see the essential maintenance and health and safety works as well as some cosmetic works, have been completed.

"This marks a significant investment by the Council and marks its commitment not only to leisure provision here in the City but also its objective to promote health and well-being across the entire Council area by making facilities and programmes available."