Last ever council magazine delivered

Every home in the district will receive a copy of the last ever edition of Banbridge District Council’s residents magazine, The Cutting Edge, next week.
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Community

As the current era in local government is coming to an end, many of the articles in this special bumper edition shine a light on some of the council’s most notable achievements over the years

The main feature in the magazine outlines the council’s key areas of work throughout its 41-year history and focuses on the past decade when it developed a stronger sense of purpose in all its activities. In one article, entitled ‘Cause for applause’, some well-known citizens such as Mentalist David Meade and Jeffrey Donaldson MP describe how progressive the council has been over the years.

With recycling being a hot topic at the moment, one article lists the string of NI firsts that the council has notched up in this area and another applauds the efforts of local households that have made a concerted effort to embrace a new pilot scheme that is designed to reduce waste processing costs and meet more stringent EU recycling targets.

A key message that the council is sending out loudly and proudly is that it is still delivering for the district as is evident by the number of new capital projects that is profiled in this edition.

Scarva has a new bike hire facility (£160,000), Laurencetown, Leitrim and Gilford (429,000) have new play areas and work is well underway to transform Stramore Park, Gilford (£319,000) into a stunning environmental asset that can be used by the whole community.

There’s also an update on plans to build a dedicated urban sports facility (£120,000) in Solitude Park, Banbridge and a pump track (£29,000) in Dromore Town Park. Learn about the role that the council played in improving sports provision for Rathfriland High School and Banbridge Amateur Boxing Club.

Council Chair Councillor Marie Hamilton remarks on what an honour it is to serve as the Final First Citizen of Banbridge District Council and some interesting facts are uncovered about the men and women who have held this high office throughout the council’s history.

With local government reform just around the corner, residents can read about how plans are progressing to create the second largest council in NI. Log on to www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.org to keep up to date with all the latest news and developments.

Get advice on staying gas safe and find out about the two new schemes, Keep Cosy and Achieving Affordable Warmth that can help keep your home warm this winter.

As in previous issues, there’s a diverse range of articles to appeal to all readers covering topics such as biodiversity, new business programmes, anti-dog fouling campaign, public art, awards and much more.

Readers can enter a competition to win a bike worth £300 courtesy of Halfords. However, postal and email entries need to be submitted by 30 November. Only one entry per local household is allowed.

Ends