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NEWS


DfI Roads outlines £68m programme for Mid & East Antrim but warns budget ‘falls significantly short’
The delivery of the “highest priority resurfacing projects, roadside stability, and drainage projects” in the Northern Division, including Mid & East Antrim, will be carried out by DfI Roads from a £68 million budget which “falls significantly short of funding requirements” , divisional roads manager Alan Keys has said. Presenting the Northern Division’s annual report, Mr Keys addressed members of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committe
Oct 25, 2025


Council faces complaints over leisure centre cleanliness and repairs
Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena A “significant” number of complaints received by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council during the last financial year related to the cleanliness and disrepair of its leisure centres, a committee report has revealed. The Annual Complaints Report 2024/25, presented to the council’s Corporate Resources, Policy and Governance Committee at The Braid in Ballymena on Monday evening, stated that maintenance work had been carried out at the spa f
Oct 22, 2025


Love Later Life: NRC students join Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to promote positive ageing
Northern Regional College Staff and Level 3 Creative Media Practice students at the showcase of their short film Love Later Life. Northern Regional College’s Creative Media students have teamed up with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to produce a moving short film that celebrates the power of positive ageing. The film, titled Love Later Life, was officially launched on Tuesday 30 September, showcasing the talents of the College’s Level 3 Creative Media Practice students.
Oct 22, 2025


Pre-loved toy scheme returns for its 7th year to spread Christmas cheer across Mid and East Antrim
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford is pictured with Isobel Kerr, ReStore Manager for Habitat for Humanity, launching the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Pre-Loved Toys Scheme. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is once again calling on local residents to donate their pre-loved toys this festive season as its much-loved Christmas Toy Scheme returns for the seventh year running. The initiative, which runs from Monday 27 October to Friday 12 December
Oct 21, 2025


Mid and East Antrim stirs up a cauldron of excitement as Halloween creeps closer!
Mid and East Antrim is gearing up for a spine-tingling celebration as Halloween approaches, with a packed programme of eerie entertainment and family-friendly fun across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne . From haunted houses and ghost tours to pumpkin patches and spooky storytelling, the borough is promising something for everyone – whether you’re chasing chills or simply after a night of frightful fun. “Mid and East Antrim is your one-stop-shop for all things Halloween,”
Oct 21, 2025


Deputy Mayor offers support to Portglenone man over Lambeg drum Noise Abatement Notice
Deputy Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, DUP Councillor Tyler Hoey The Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, DUP Councillor Tyler Hoey, has publicly offered his support to a Portglenone man who has been issued a Noise Abatement Notice by council officers for practising the Lambeg drum. Councillor Hoey explained that the constituent, Gary, had been contacted him at the start of September regarding the noise complaint. “At the start of September, I was contacted by a constituent of mi
Oct 20, 2025


Burrows defends cultural tradition after Abatement Notice issued by MEA Council after Lambeg drum practise
North Antrim UUP MLA Jon Burrows North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has expressed “serious concern” after a local drummer was issued with a Noise Abatement Notice by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for practising the traditional Lambeg drum. The Ulster Unionist representative said the situation highlighted a worrying trend of councils using environmental enforcement powers in ways that could, in his view, restrict cultural expression and heritage traditions. Mr Burrows explain
Oct 18, 2025


‘Motion for more homework rejected!’ – Mayor shares fun visit from Ballykeel Primary pupils
Pupils of Ballykeel Primary School enjoying time in the Mayoral Parlour at The Braid, with Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, UUP Councillor Jackson Minford Pupils from Ballykeel Primary School enjoyed a lively morning at The Braid in Ballymena as they put local elected representatives on the spot with a series of challenging questions about life in local government. The Year 6 (P6) class met with Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, and Independ
Oct 16, 2025


Mayor Congratulates Dr Louise Beck, Galgorm Collection and Sporting Heroes
(L-R) Rab McAuley, from Galgorm, who was crowned Ulster Supersport Cup Champion for 2025, GP Dr Louise Beck, of Victoria Surgery, who has been named GP of the Year 2025, and Slemish College student Emilee Leacock, who has been called up for the Northern Ireland Under-17 Women’s Football Squad Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Councillor Jackson Minford, has congratulated Larne-based GP Dr Louise Beck, of Victoria Surgery , who has been named GP of the Year 2025 by the Royal College
Oct 15, 2025


Larne Leisure Centre gym welcomes members back as refurbishment moves ahead
Larne Leisure Centre gym The phased reopening of Larne Leisure Centre has reached another important milestone, with the gym officially...
Oct 11, 2025


MEA Loneliness Network marks Positive Ageing Month with Volunteer Now event
(L-R) Sabrina Lynn, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Wenda Gray, Volunteer Now, John Mitchell, Volunteer Now, Marjorie Hawkins,...
Oct 9, 2025


Bracknamuckley Forest to benefit from new parking and access improvements
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans for additional parking spaces at Bracknamuckley Forest in...
Oct 6, 2025


New toilet block approved for Brown’s Bay eight years after arson attack
Browns Bay, County Antrim Planning permission has been granted for a new toilet block at Brown’s Bay, Islandmagee — eight years after an...
Oct 5, 2025


“Unacceptable behaviour”: Mayor condemns Ahoghill graffiti vandalism warning of cost to ratepayers
Vandalism at Ahoghill Community Centre The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, has condemned the widespread...
Oct 2, 2025


Hallowena in Ballymena, and more: Mid & East Antrim’s spooktacular Halloween events for 2025
As the nights draw in and pumpkins begin to glow, Mid & East Antrim is gearing up for a thrilling Halloween season in 2025. From the...
Oct 1, 2025


Mid and East Antrim councillors say barracks land ‘should not be held’ for council office use
The St Patrick’s Barracks Regeneration Site, Ballymena Mid and East Antrim councillors have agreed to write to a Stormont department...
Sep 27, 2025


Farmers’ cancer awareness drive gains MEA Council support as DAERA policies spark criticism
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed to write to DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA urging him to “reflect on his actions around...
Sep 27, 2025


Alliance motion on tree protection wins support of Mid and East Antrim Council
Views of the Ecos Nature Park in Ballymena Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has backed a motion to strengthen the protection of trees...
Sep 25, 2025


Healthy Heroes initiative launched to tackle poor diets among primary school children
(L-R) Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Cllr Leah Kirkpatrick, and Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Cllr Jackson Minford, launching the Healthy...
Sep 24, 2025


Ballymena housing development sparks community outrage as residents rally to protect Braid River Walk
The River Braid, Ballymena A proposed housing development near the Tullygarley area of Ballymena has ignited significant opposition from...
Sep 22, 2025
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