BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

1 A message from the Mayor Councillor Mrs Audrey Wales MBE

n June I had the honour and privilege of being elected the first female Mayor of Ballymena. I have been overwhelmed by the many messages of congratulations conveyed to me following my election and the warm welcome I have Ireceived when carrying out my duties. It is with a sense of great pride that I represent all of the people of this great Borough at a local and regional level. I know that this year will be a busy one. Already I have met many amazing people who have contributed to Ballymena, and I know there are many more to meet. I have attended numerous events, locally and nationally, proud to be an ambassador for Ballymena. A highlight from the last year was the opportunity to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to the Borough, an experience that I will never forget. This was just one of many events that have showcased Ballymena on the international stage. In August, we hosted the Milk Cup Finals at the prestigious Ballymena Showgrounds, which saw people come to Ballymena from all over the world. As first citizen, I was extremely proud to hear the Milk Cup finals described by the organisers as the most successful ever. I also attended the World Police and Fire Games, which saw Ballymena hosting the shooting at the Carnview Shooting Range. In September, the prestigious Northern Ireland Open Challenge teed off at Galgorm Castle Golf Club, again attracting people from all over the world. Together, with our local business, we remain focused on building our economy and the Borough continues to move forward on a number of exciting and innovative projects to stimulate and grow the local economy. Indeed we have forged links with other European countries with strong pass. Along with all the elected Members in Ballymena economies to share best practice. All of this work has been, Borough Council, we are working to capture the legacy of and will continue to be, shaped by the Community Planning Ballymena Borough Council and the Borough as a whole. I framework which aims to address the economic, social and look forward to these legacy events and information coming environmental needs of our Borough in partnership with forth in the near future. our citizens. On a final note, I would like to extend my thanks to Anne Significantly, 2014 will be the last full calendar year in which Donaghy, Town Clerk and Chief Executive, and her staff for the council operates under the identity of Ballymena all their hard work throughout the year. It is their dedication Borough Council. Local Government Reform aims to which moves us towards our vision of ‘Ballymena: Great establish 11 new council areas throughout the province by People, Great Place’. Anne works closely with all to deliver April 2015 and Ballymena will join with our colleagues in on a better Ballymena. Larne and Carrickfergus to form Mid and East Antrim Council. Elections for this council will take place this year and I wish you all God’s richest blessing and a healthy, prosperous the process of reform will gather momentum as the months and peaceful New Year!

Great People, Great Place BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

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Mayoral Duties

Invitations to the Mayor Mayor’s Gifts

In view of the Mayor’s busy schedule, it is vital that invitations are sent 100th Birthday to the Mayor’s Secretary well in advance of the date of the engagement, preferably in writing, with full background details. Such The Mayor will provide any resident of Ballymena who is approaching as what the Mayor will be expected to do, and what other dignitaries their 100th Birthday and subsequent birthday thereafter with a special have been invited, how long the event is intended to last and who will birthday card and gift. If you wish to apply on behalf of someone, meet the Mayor on arrival. The Mayor’s Office produces a form please contact the Mayor’s Secretary. (Request for Attendance of Mayor at Non-Civic Functions) which aims to cover the above subjects. A copy of this form can be obtained from the Mayor’s Secretary or on the Council website. Diamond Wedding Anniversary

The Mayor will provide any residents of Ballymena who are approaching Mayor’s Receptions their 60th Wedding Anniversary with a special congratulatory card and a gift. If you wish to apply on behalf of a couple, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary. Ballymena Borough Council provide civic recognition to citizens of the Borough on: achievements; special community service; special endeavours; special visitors are also recognised. This is normally carried Mayor’s Secretary: out through a Mayor’s Reception and presentation of a corporate gift. Tel: 028 2566 0359 A copy of the form (Request for a Mayor’s Reception) can be obtained from the Mayor’s Secretary or on the Council website. Council Web Site: www.ballymena.gov.uk

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4 A Few of My Mayoral Engagements…

Above: Launch of the 2013 Ballymena Business Excellence Awards. Left: Ballymena Chamber of Commerce Presidents table guests at the Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards. (Back L-R); Ian Paisley MP, Mr Alex Morrow, Mayor of Larne Cllr Maureen Marrow, Permanent Secretary of the DOE NI Mr Leo O’Reilly, President of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce Mr Thomas McKillen. (Front L-R); Mrs Fiona Paisley, The Hostess of the awards Pamela Ballentine, The Mayor of Ballymena Cllr Audrey Wales MBE, Ballymena Borough Council Chief Executive Mrs Anne Donaghy, Mrs Esther McKillen.

Above: Meeting of Mayors at the Annual Ecumenical Ceremony of Remembrance and Wreath Laying, Dublin.

Above: The Fenton family with baby Joy, who shares her birthday with His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. Left: The Mayor with Minister Simon Hamilton and Mr Ian Paisley MP at the site of the upgrade of the next phase of the A26. Great People, Great Place Page 4 BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

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Above and left: Celebrating the success at the Northern Ireland Golf Open held in Galgorm with Minister Arlene Foster MLA.

Above: Finance Minister Simon Hamilton with The Mayor at a Business Lunch held in the Adair Arms Hotel in October 2013.

Above: The Mayor with Darren Logan from ‘The Ahoghill in Bloom’ Team receiving the Gold Award and winning top prize for the Small Town category from Horticultural broadcaster Mr Bob Flowerdew at the Britain in Bloom Awards Ceremony.

Above: Carniny Under 14’s football team travel to Portugal for their Club Development Trip as part of the Councils Small Grants Scheme. Right: In Clough at the Launch of the Mid Antrim 150 Road Race with MCUI Chairman Jack Agnew. Great People, Great Place BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

7 Mayor welcomes Ballymena ‘World Police & Fire Games’ Youth Performers

In August 2013, Mayor of Ballymena, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE, welcomed a group of 23 young people who represented Ballymena Borough at the World Police & Fire Games opening ceremony, by performing the Indian ‘Diya’ Dance.

Organised and facilitated through Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum, this project aimed to help build confidence and gain a better insight to understanding different cultures.

The project concluded with the unique opportunity of participating at the high profile Opening Ceremony of the World Police & Fire Games in Belfast on 1 August 2013, giving these young people a sense of belonging and pride in representing Ballymena borough on a world stage.

The work of Ballymena Inter Ethnic forum is significant and recognised by Council under its Good Relations Strategy, whose Good Relations themes are to “Create a Climate for Change” and “Promote Provision of Above: Mayor of Ballymena, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE, along with a group of young Shared Space” for all citizens in Ballymena, so that everyone who lives, people from the borough who performed at the Opening Ceremony of the World works, socialises or visits Ballymena feels welcome, safe and respected! Police and Fire Games Opening Ceremony in August 2013. Also included is Ivy Ridge MBE, Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum, T/Insp A Ferguson PSNI, and Jackie For more information about Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum, please Patton, Community Relations Officer, Ballymena Borough Council. Picture courtesy contact Ivy Ridge on 028 2564 3605 or email [email protected]. of Ballymena TIMES newspaper. Mayor gets into the rhythm at Ballymena Primary’s World Music Day

In June 2013 the Mayor of Ballymena, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE, along with pupils and staff from Ballymena Primary School participated in a World Music Day Workshop with Beyond Skin.

Also included is Ivy Ridge MBE, Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum, Andrew Millar Assistant Community Relations Officer for Ballymena Borough Council, and participants.

This project was supported through the European Union’s PEACE III Programme and is managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the North East PEACE III Partnership.

Images courtesy of Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum.

Great People, Great Place BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

8 Ballymena Borough Council Working for all citizens of the Borough to grow the local economy, deliver quality efficient services and improve health and wellbeing. Ballymena North Braid Ballymena North covers the following district electoral areas: Braid covers the following district electoral areas: Academy, Ardeevin, Ballyloughan, Dunclug, Fair Green, Broughshane, Craigywarren, Glenravel, Glenwhirry and Galgorm and Park. Slemish.

Cllr Audrey Wales, MBE Ald Robin Cherry, MBE DUP UUP Mob: 078 9998 5110 Tel: 028 2568 5535 Email: [email protected] Mob: 077 8575 2712 Email: [email protected]

Cllr James McClean Cllr Beth Clyde UUP DUP Mob: 078 2633 6698 Mob: 077 2490 6855 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ald James Henry Cllr Paul Frew MLA Independent DUP Tel: 028 2565 2456 Tel: 028 2564 1421 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ald P J McAvoy Ald Sam Hanna SDLP DUP Tel: 028 2564 2256 Tel: 028 2568 5571 Mob: 078 7196 9173 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr Jane A Dunlop Cllr Paul D Maguire Alliance SF Tel: 078 0257 4887 Mob: 078 5791 2097 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ald Maurice T Mills DUP Tel: 028 2564 3924 Mob: 077 4075 8551 Email: [email protected]

Cllr John Carson DUP Mob: 078 9133 8220 Email: [email protected]

Great People, Great Place BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

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Ballymena Borough Council, ‘Ardeevin’, 80 Galgorm Road, Ballymena BT42 1AB T: 0844 544 7640 or 028 2566 0300 E: [email protected] Website: www.ballymena.gov.uk

Bannside Ballymena South Bannside covers the following district electoral areas: Ballymena South covers the following district electoral areas: Ahoghill, Cullybackey, Dunminning, Grange and Portglenone. Ballee, Ballykeel, Castle Demesne, Harryville, Kells, Moat and Summerfield.

Cllr Monica Digney Cllr Elizabeth Adger SF DUP Mob: 078 1706 8362 Tel: 028 2589 8180 Email: [email protected] Mob: 079 7653 3483 Email: [email protected]

Cllr Roy Gillespie Ald Martin Clarke TUV DUP Tel: 028 2587 1580 Tel: 028 2564 2318 Mob: 077 76268859 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr Billy Henry Cllr James K F Currie, MBE DUP UUP Mob: 075 9994 00857 Tel: 028 2589 8147 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr William McNeilly Cllr Hubert Nicholl UUP DUP Tel: 028 9447 2655 Tel: 028 9447 2274 Email: [email protected] Mob: 078 0323 5402 Email: [email protected]

Cllr Tommy Nicholl, MBE Cllr Declan O’Loan DUP SDLP Mob: 079 7001 2520 Mob: 077 6422 0533 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr D Robinson DUP Tel: 028 2565 3529 Mob: 075 9755 4813 Email: [email protected]

Cllr T Gaston TUV Mob: 075 1421 3186 Email: [email protected]

Great People, Great Place BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

11 A-Z of Council Services

Council Headquarters: Tel: General Enquiries 028 2566 0300. Local No. 08456 581581. Fax: 028 2566 0400.

A Abandoned Vehicles 028 2566 0389 G Graffiti Removal 028 2566 0373 Access to Countryside 028 2563 9853 Grave Purchase 028 2565 6026 Arts & Events 028 2563 5988 Grounds Maintenance 028 2566 0480 Arthur Cottage (Seasonal) 028 2588 0781 Good Relations Office 028 2566 0447 028 2563 5900 028 2566 0448

B Ballee Cemetery 028 2565 6026 H Health & Safety: (Enforcement) 028 2566 0393 Best Value Initiative 028 2566 0319 Health & Safety: (Council Services) 028 2566 0364 Births, Deaths, Marriages 028 2566 0352 I Illegal Dumping 028 2566 0373 & Civil Partnerships Mayor’s Office 028 2566 0359 Bowling Green Bookings (People’s Park) 028 2564 3081 M Members’/Councillors 028 2566 0300 The Braid 028 2565 7161 /2566 0446 Building Control 028 2566 0409 Mid-Antrim Museum Service 028 2563 5924 C Catering Services 028 2563 5953 Museum, The Braid 028 2563 5924 Cemetery (Cushendall Road) 028 2563 8691 N Noise Control 028 2566 0431 Cemetery (Ballee) 028 2565 6026 Cemetery - Grave Purchases 028 2565 6026 O Operational Services 028 2564 8096 Chief Executive’s Office 028 2566 0346 P Peoples Park/Sentry Hill/Pavilion 028 2564 3081 Children’s Play Areas 028 2564 3081 Personnel & Services 028 2566 0363 Collection of large household items 028 2564 8096 Planning Schedules 028 2566 0307 Community Services 028 2563 3934 Playgrounds 028 2564 3081 Community Sports Development 028 2566 5897 Playing Field Bookings 028 2563 8510 Community Centres 028 2563 3938 Policing and Community Safety 028 2466 0413/ Consumer Protection 028 2566 0373 028 2566 0343 Public Relations/Marketing 028 2566 0450 Committee Administration 028 2566 0307 Public Toilets 028 2566 0467 Complaints & Comment Line 08451 301930 Cultural Services 028 2565 7161 R Recycling 028 2564 8096 Refuse Collection 028 2564 8096 D Dangerous Structures 028 2566 0409 Registrar’s Office: Births, Deaths, 028 2566 0352 Dog Fouling 028 2566 0373 Marriages & Civil Partnerships Dogs lost/found/dangerous 028 2566 0373 Dog Warden 028 2566 0389 S Seven Towers Leisure Centre 028 2564 1427 Dog Licence 028 2566 0332 (Local Rate Number) 08456 581582 Showgrounds Office 028 2563 8510 E Economic Development 028 2563 3930 Society Lotteries 028 2566 0373 Ecos Visitor & Conference Centre 028 2566 4400 Special Events 028 2563 5988 (Local Rate Number) 08456 581583 Sports Development 028 2563 9854 Environmental Health 028 2566 0373 Street Cleansing 028 2564 8096 Equality Scheme 028 2566 0319 Street Trading Licences 028 2566 0373 F Festivals 028 2563 5988 T Tennis Court Bookings (People’s Park) 028 2564 3081 Finance 028 2566 0329 Tourist Information Office 028 2563 5900 Fly Posting 028 2566 0373 W Waste Management, Recycling, 028 2564 8096 Food Complaint 028 2566 0373 Operational Services, Street Cleansing Food Safety 028 2566 0373 Refuse Collection, Bulky Collections for Freedom of Information 028 2566 0474 Large household items

Great People, Great Place BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCIL

12 Ballymena… a great place to be

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… with great people to meet

Great People, Great Place