NEWS

The MEA DIY Bootcamp participants following the successful completion of the intensive hands-on programme. Nineteen residents from Mid and East Antrim have turned practical ambition into real achievement, celebrating the completion of an intensive DIY training programme with a showcase event at Larne Town Hall. Custom-built tables and bespoke lamps—designed and crafted entirely by participants—took centre stage as certificates were awarded, marking the culmination of the Mid

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, with members, families and supporters of Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG) during a visit highlighting its music therapy programme. A visit that began as a routine engagement quickly became something far more personal, as the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact of a local support group helping families across the Causeway and Ballymena areas. Councillor Oli

The zebra crossing following the completion of upgrade works. (Inset) Ballymena councillor Rodney Quigley Independent Ballymena councillor Rodney Quigley has welcomed the completion of long-awaited safety upgrades to a busy zebra crossing at Braidwater Retail Park, following a series of collisions that raised concerns within the local community. The improvements, carried out at the crossing near Sainsbury’s garage, were completed today (Wednesday 25 March) and are aimed at ma

Pictured at the Company Showcase at Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Cullybackey College ahead of their pitch for Seed the Season to Judging Panel. A team of enterprising students from Cullybackey College is heading to Belfast City Hall with a chance to be crowned Northern Ireland’s top young business — after impressing judges with a sustainability-driven idea that’s already taking root. Their student company, Seed the Season , has been named among just six finalis

Three people have been taken to hospital following a three-vehicle road traffic collision in Crumlin that caused significant disruption during the morning commute. The incident happened on the Dundrod Road shortly after 8.15am on Wednesday, 25 March, prompting an emergency response and the closure of the route for several hours. Road closed for hours after collision The Dundrod Road was shut to traffic as emergency services attended the scene and dealt with the aftermath of t

Linzi Moore, an outstanding team member at EUROSPAR Cullybackey has taken the crown as the UK’s Sales Colleague of the Year at the prestigious Convenience Awards. A familiar face in Cullybackey has earned national recognition after being crowned UK Sales Colleague of the Year at the prestigious Convenience Awards in Liverpool. Linzi Moore, a loss prevention co-ordinator at EUROSPAR Cullybackey, secured the top honour against competitors from across the UK — a moment that not

Families across Antrim and Glengormley are set for a treat this Easter as Bluey — the global children’s TV sensation — arrives on the big screen with a special cinema event designed to delight audiences of all ages. Landing in local cinemas on Friday 27 March, Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection offers an hour-long experience packed with laughter, imagination and heart, just in time for the school holidays. A big-screen celebration of play, friendship and f

Pictured at Simon Community’s Ballymena temporary accommodation service are (left to right): Marianne McCaul, Senior Manager, Simon Community Ballymena; Colin Johnston, CEO, Galgorm Collection; and Harriett Roberts, Director of Growth & Management, Simon Community Northern Ireland. A long-standing partnership rooted in compassion and community impact has reached a powerful milestone, as Galgorm Collection celebrates 15 years of supporting people experiencing homelessness acro

Money taken from criminals is being channelled back into communities across Northern Ireland, with a fresh £389,000 funding boost set to support dozens of crime prevention projects. Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the additional investment through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS), bringing renewed momentum to efforts aimed at tackling crime and reducing the fear of crime at a local level. Turning criminal profits into community protection The funding—mad

Motorists across the Ballymena and Ballymoney areas faced disruption this morning after a series of road traffic collisions were reported on key routes, prompting police to urge drivers to seek alternative journeys. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that several incidents occurred on Wednesday 25 March, affecting both commuter and local traffic in the area. Series of collisions on Frosses Road Two separate collisions were reported on the Frosses Road in

Northern Ireland will be fully included in the UK’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, following a firm Government commitment secured during a House of Commons debate led by South Antrim MP Robin Swann. The former Health Minister pressed for clarity on whether the legislation would apply equally across all four nations, warning that consistency is crucial to protecting public health and avoiding divergence within the UK. ‘Common-sense’ legislation for future generations Speakin

Inset: North Antrim MP Jim Allister A renewed push to improve safety and cleanliness in Ballymena town centre is underway, as North Antrim MP Jim Allister steps up efforts to support local businesses and restore confidence among shoppers and visitors. Working alongside Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Ballymena BID, the TUV leader has led a series of interventions aimed at tackling two of the most visible concerns in the town: police presence and street standards. Focus on s

(Photo Credit: Tom McDonnell) Rathlin Island has been declared officially ferret free in a world-first conservation success—an achievement that could transform the future of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony and place the small island at the centre of global environmental efforts. Announced on Monday, 23 March by RSPB NI, the milestone marks the completion of a years-long mission to remove invasive feral ferrets from the island—predators that had devastated seabird po

Global superstar Niall Horan is set to return to Belfast for a major arena show in 2026, with the chart-topping singer confirming the final date of his UK and European tour will take place at the SSE Arena on Sunday 15 November. The highly anticipated performance will mark the closing night of his newly announced Dinner Party tour, named after his upcoming album, and is expected to draw huge demand from fans across Northern Ireland and beyond. Tickets and key details Tickets

Gillian Matthews marking 10 years in business with Willow Beauty A Ballymena beauty salon born out of uncertainty is now celebrating a decade of success, resilience, and community support. Willow Beauty marks its 10th anniversary this month, reflecting on a journey that began with a leap of faith and has grown into one of the town’s most recognised and award-winning salons. From uncertainty to opportunity Founded by local business owner Gillian Matthews , the salon first open

Decosta in the ring! A Ballymena teenager is continuing her remarkable rise in Irish boxing after claiming another All-Ireland title — and setting her sights firmly on the international stage. Fifteen-year-old Decosta Gillen delivered a standout performance at the National Stadium in Dublin last weekend, securing the National Boy/Girl 4 Championship with a dominant unanimous victory. Competing in the 61kg category, the Corpus Christi Boxing Club athlete defeated Grace Fenlon

Pictured is the Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford with Grace, Maisy and Emma from Cambridge House Grammar School with their winning idea 'Strike City' at the MEA Student Pitch challenge. Young people from across Mid and East Antrim have stepped forward with fresh, ambitious ideas to breathe new life into struggling town centres — and their creativity is already turning heads. A Dragon’s Den-style competition has seen pos

Kintra ferry crossing the Rathlin Sound. (Image: Shauna Fannin) A new summer ferry timetable for Rathlin Island has been confirmed — with extra early weekend sailings designed to support workers and boost the island’s busy tourism season. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the updated schedule will run from Friday 3 April to Wednesday 30 September 2026, introducing an additional return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning. The new sailings will depart Rathlin

Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse, Carnlough A Carnlough couple behind a popular coffee shop and bunkhouse have issued a stark warning about the future of Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry, saying rising costs and a 20% VAT rate are pushing independent businesses to the brink. Robert and Tiffany McKay, owners of Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse on the Antrim Coast , say many cafés, restaurants and pubs are now operating with “practically non-existent” margins — forcing difficult d

Leighinmohr House Hotel Planning permission has been granted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a rooftop spa and a new bridal cottage at the Leighinmohr House Hotel in Ballymena. A development management officer’s report said the proposed spa will be located on the first floor, with alterations at ground-floor level to accommodate a lift at the Leighinmohr Avenue premises. Planners received eight objections raising concerns about potential noise pollution, external