NEWS

(L-R): Paul Frew MLA, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, Paula Campbell of Fullan’s Food Hall Portglenone, RetailNI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts and Jon Burrows MLA. People across Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area are being encouraged to put their favourite shops, retail workers and high streets in the running for recognition on the Northern Ireland stage. The public vote is now open for the High Street Heroes Awards 2026, giving customers th

Immigration officers have carried out more than 100 visits targeting suspected illegal working across Northern Ireland in the first half of 2026, resulting in 123 arrests as enforcement activity reaches record levels. New Home Office figures show released today, Friday, August 6, Northern Ireland Immigration Compliance and Enforcement (ICE) teams carried out 103 visits across Northern Ireland during the first six months of the year — a 43% increase — while arrests rose by 16%

Cyclists from across Northern Ireland are being invited to take on one of the region’s most scenic charity rides next weekend, with every mile helping to raise money for people affected by dementia. The Bann Valley Road Club Tour of the Glens Charity Sportive, supported by Clarke, returns on Saturday 15 August, offering riders the choice of 40-mile or 60-mile routes through the spectacular Glens of Antrim. With all proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Society Northern Ireland, organ

Families still searching for summer holiday activities need look no further, with Ballymena 400 offering a packed programme of FREE family events throughout August. At the heart of the programme are two interactive Adventure Quests, transforming Ballymena town centre into a giant outdoor game where families become detectives, explorers and storytellers as they solve clues, complete challenges and meet colourful characters. But the quests are only the beginning. From a town ce

Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour & Fern Keeney, Live Here Love Here 6 August 2026 Families across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to make the most of the region’s coastline this month as a popular environmental campaign returns with a packed programme of free and low-cost activities designed to help people reconnect with the sea while highlighting the growing problem of marine litter. The Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign, organised by Live Here Love Here, is back

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly joined the programme as mentors Thirty-seven students from Ballymena have been recognised as part of a leadership and mentoring programme that has seen more than 750 young women deliver hundreds of community projects, benefiting almost 18,000 people across Northern Ireland. Students from Slemish College, Ballymena Academy and St Louis Grammar School took part in the 2025–26 SistersIN programme, joi

Some services provided by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council could face disruption later this year after local government staff rejected a 3.3% pay offer, councillors have been told. Members of the council’s Corporate Resources Policy and Governance Committee received an update on the 2026/27 pay award negotiations at a meeting in The Braid, Ballymena, on Monday evening. The report covered pay negotiations for council chief executives, chief officers (directors) and staff em

Wednesday, 5 August 2026 Motorists across North Antrim are being urged to plan ahead this weekend, with extensive road closures in place as the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally returns to the area. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued travel advice ahead of the two-day event, warning that road users should expect delays on Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August as rally stages take place across Mid and East Antrim. While diversions will be in operation, drivers ar

Six times Northern Ireland Rally Champion Jonny Greer in action. (All images: www.neillpics.com ) Fresh from securing a record-equalling sixth Northern Ireland Rally Championship title, Jonny Greersays the return of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally to Ballymena was too good an opportunity to miss. The 37-year-old Toyota Gazoo Racing driver admits this year’s route – featuring iconic stages including Torr Head, Glendun and Cairncastle – was the deciding factor in committing to th

Northern Ireland's first floating oyster reef has been launched at Glenarm Marina in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The innovative floating reef provides a sheltered home for more than 10,000 young native European oysters, helping to restore a lost marine habitat and support healthier seas. (All images and video © Ulster Wildlife) Northern Ireland’s first floating oyster reef has been launched at Glenarm Marina, creating a new home for thousands of nati

Waiting on the chinook for extraction… Alan Barr serving with the Intelligence Corps in Afghanistan Tuesday, 4 August 2026 Military veterans, armed forces personnel, and frontline emergency service workers across Mid and East Antrim will now be able to access discounted memberships at the borough’s leisure centres under a new council scheme aimed at recognising their service. Eligible veterans as well as those currently serving, PSNI officers and staff, Northern Ireland Fire

Site for proposed apartments complex on Springwell Street, Ballymena Plans for a nine-apartment development at Fountain Place in Ballymena have been refused by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council over concerns about privacy, overlooking and the quality of accommodation for future residents. The application sought permission to demolish an existing dwelling and outbuildings at 23 Fountain Place and replace them with a development of nine apartments. Access to the site would ha

Tuesday, 4 August 2026 More than 2,100 motorists were caught speeding across Northern Ireland in just five days, with some drivers detected travelling at twice and even three times the legal speed limit, prompting the PSNI to renew its warning that dangerous driving is continuing to cost lives. Operation Lifesaver, which ran from 27 July to 31 July, resulted in 2,132 speeding detections, while police also recorded 308 additional traffic offences, including careless driving, u

The Met Office has brought forward the start time of its yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland after heavy rain arrived earlier than first forecast. The updated warning is now in force from 9.15am until 9pm on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, with forecasters warning that heavy showers and thunderstorms could cause disruption to transport and outdoor events. Warning updated as rain moves east The Met Office said the warning was revised after a band of heavy rain developed across

Ballymena artist Nigel Allison A Ballymena artist whose paintings are now hanging in private collections across the UK and overseas is continuing to expand his business while showcasing the landscapes of Northern Ireland to an international audience. Nigel Allison, who is based at Ballymena Business Centre in Galgorm, has built a growing reputation for expressive seascape paintings inspired by the North Antrim Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way. From local inspiration to interna

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with students Naomi Duncan-Todd and Jay Curry encouraging eligible students to apply for the prestigious All Ireland Scholarship Scheme. Thousands of students across Northern Ireland receiving their A-Level and BTEC results are being encouraged to check whether they could qualify for a scholarship worth £5,850 a year to help cover the cost of university. The All Ireland Scholarship Scheme, funded by the JP McManus Trust, is no

A vehicle seized by police for no insurance in the Henry Street area of Ballymena Motorists across Ballymena have been reminded to drive safely after police launch a series of road safety enforcement activities across the district as part of Operation Lifesaver. Officers from the PSNI’s D Section were on patrol throughout the weekend, carrying out vehicle checkpoints, roadside breath tests, speed checks and inspections of vehicle condition as part of the ongoing initiative to

People across Northern Ireland are advised to expect potentially disruptive weather after the Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering the entire region for Tuesday. The warning comes into effect from 12 noon until 9pm on Tuesday, August 4, with forecasters warning that slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms could cause disruption to travel and outdoor activities. Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected According to the Met Office, showers will begin develo

Summer fiction, psychological thrillers and literary favourites continue to capture readers’ attention at Waterstone’s Ballymena, with this week’s bestseller chart showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary novels, timeless classics and anticipated new releases. The latest update from the Ballymena bookshop also highlights half-price offers, new titles from bestselling authors, an exclusive Gruffalo pre-order promotion, back-to-school offers and the newly announced 2026 Booke

(L-R) Annette McWilliams, Mary Waide, Maire McCormack, Johnny O'Boyle, and Clare Barr Volunteers from St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Conferences in Ballymena and Antrim have come together at a Mid Antrim Area Gathering as the charity continues to respond to increasing demand for support from people experiencing poverty and hardship across Northern Ireland. The event brought together local members to share experiences from the communities they serve, discuss emerging challenges and