Statement by Cllr Timothy Gaston, TUV Bannside:
“Ballymena is hosting the annual Black Saturday parade this year, members and supporters of the County Antrim Royal Black Institution will be coming to our town to parade. With the Public Realm Scheme still working it is essential we put our best foot forward and show off all Ballymena’s attributes.
“In March I raised concerns that with all the work in the town centre that a plan needed to be in place early to ensure Ballymena could not only host this wonderful parade, but that local businesses could benefit from the increased footfall across the town. A restricting factor would be if the many road works left the town centre difficult to negotiate.
“This week I have yet again raised this with the Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, with particular focus on making the town centre look good ahead of the 27th August.
“I have been frustrated with the delays and appearance of the Public Realm Scheme to date, but it is essential that we show off Ballymena’s potential on Black Saturday and do out bit to encourage those visiting to spend their money in our town.”