Robinson welcomes moves to reinforce Whiteabbey’s Place in Coastal Village Project
Councillor Ken Robinson, who is also the Ulster Unionist Party candidate for East Antrim in the forthcoming election, has welcomed moves by Newtownabbey Borough Council to become involved in the “SHARING A VISION FOR OUR COASTLINE” Project.
The scheme, which is funded by the European Union under Interreg 111A programme, will involve a partnership involving 14 communities stretching along the east coast from Waterfoot, Whitehead and Whiteabbey in Co Antrim along the Ards Peninsula and as far as Greenore in the Republic.
Commenting on the scheme Mr Robinson said, “I had discussed the issue of regenerating Whiteabbey with the previous Town Centre Manager and we had exchanged some initial ideas with Government departments that would have improved the physical appearance of Whiteabbey and made it an increasingly attractive place for commercial and recreational activities.
“Unfortunately the Planning Service has, in the interim, continued to give its approval to piecemeal inappropriate developments in the area. What Whiteabbey needed was a coherent approach to planning to enhance and protect its character and ensure that any new build blended into this overall ambience. We would then, as a Council, work with businesses and the Roads Service to replace footpaths with a consistent, improved surface and enhance the parking provision in the area. Street furniture such as high quality litter bins, new period style street lamps, flower baskets and other co-ordinated items could then be used to give a certain ambience to the village area.
“This new EU funded project may just enable us to rescue something from the hotch-potch the Planners have allowed to develop in the Whiteabbey/Jordanstown area.
“At the moment, the Three Mile Water River has been brought back to life through the effort and vision of a group of anglers based in Monkstown. Many other villages would be envious of such an environmental development and protect it fiercely. Sadly, the Planning authorities have not yet fully grasped the impact that continued development and infill housing, which they are approving, has on the character of the area. Trees continue to disappear at an alarming rate and buildings that add to the character of the village and its surrounding areas continue to be under threat.
“At least this overdue but welcome EU funded scheme can, with the support and co-operation of local residents and businesses, enable the character of Whiteabbey to be assessed and proposals formulated so that the available monies can be used to improve the area for the benefit of everyone.”