Slava Ukraini! Ukrainian flag to fly across Mid and East Antrim

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is to fly the Ukrainian flag at its three main civic buildings in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena in support of the war-ravaged country.

Councillors have also agreed to send Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a letter outlining their support.

They were told at a meeting of the Direct Services Committee on Tuesday evening that the local authority’s emergency planning remains in place “to deliver support to Ukrainian refugees as they come into the borough”.

Councillors also heard that the Department for Communities has invited councils to participate in a consortium to establish local requirements to assist Ukrainian refugees.

This consortium includes statutory, voluntary and community organisations, council representatives. and council officials body Solace.

Local authorities in Northern Ireland have been asked by the Executive Office, which is leading the province’s emergency response process, to deliver Welcome Centres for Ukrainian refugees and accommodation through the DfC consortium.

In Mid and East Antrim, a Ukrainian Support Working Group has been established comprised of council staff and colleagues from statutory agencies and community and voluntary sectors.

The working group may be required to put in place a local support network for Ukrainian refugees and sponsors.

The council has agreed to provide three venues in each of its main towns – Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena to assist with humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, a Ukraine Assistance Centre will open at The Braid in Ballymena on April 14, from 9.30am until 4.00 pm.