Christmas is now as far away as ever and the reminders of the festive season are being stored away for another year. I hope you all remembered to reduce, reuse and recycle and continue to adopt this motto as a New Year resolution.
I’m looking forward to my remaining six months in the office of Mayor and will be sad when it comes to an end in June. I feel very privileged to serve and represent you, the people of the Borough and thoroughly enjoy getting out and about and meeting you all.
The ongoing economic downturn will mean that 2010 will continue to be a difficult year for many people. However, we need to remain positive and hope that as the year progresses, the outlook will become more positive.
It will certainly be a year when major developments in Antrim continue to flourish. The Old Court House will breathe new life into Market Square. When it opens for business it will accommodate Antrim Information Centre on the ground floor, alongside a new café/bar area for visitors. The first floor will feature a new flagship multi-use auditorium space for culture and arts performances, civic events and conferencing.The on-going work in Antrim Castle Gardens which will see this important historical site developed into a major regional visitor destination, the new ASDA store at Junction One will provide residents with even more choice for shopping and the opening of Antrim Library is just around the corner.
As Mayor, I have been extremely impressed with the way that so many local people give their time so freely to help others. I am sure that the warm hearted and generous people of the Borough of Antrim will continue to rally round and support those most in need during 2010.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the Council staff for their hard work throughout the year which I regularly experience at first-hand. 2009 has had its challenges and, no doubt, 2010 will bring even more but I feel that together we can meet these challenges head on.
I wish a happy and prosperous New Year to you all.
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