Borough Magazine Spring/Summer 2021

At the beginning of 2020 no one could have predicted the global pandemic that has impacted so much of the world or the disruption and heartache it has caused to so many. As a Council we have worked hard to adapt quickly to the challenges before us and introduced new ways of working so we could continue to deliver as many of our services as possible.

I am extremely proud of the efforts of staff across the Council to keep essential services going, from waste collection and cemeteries to Registration, and to take on additional duties such as the delivery of food parcels to support the most vulnerable in our communities. You can read about the Council’s response to Covid-19 on pages 4 and 5.

Despite our collective difficulties, the sense of community spirit locally has never been higher. Towards the end of 2020 we gave the people of our Borough an opportunity to highlight their Covid-19 Community Heroes and you can read more about these inspiring groups and individuals on pages 8 and 9.

This unprecedented year has taken its toll in many ways. On pages 10 and 11 we have detailed some ways to explore our beautiful Borough and improve your physical and mental wellbeing at the same time.

As we continue to support recovery activity across the Borough, I am pleased to be able to update you on the Council’s Bangor Waterfront Regeneration project (pg 15), our plans for the NI Centenary (pg 12) and our commitment to continue to invest and to enhance our service delivery as we move into a new financial year (pg 16).

You can read about all of this and more in this edition of YOUR Borough Magazine.

With the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme and the production of the NI Executive’s Roadmap to bring us out of the latest coronavirus lockdown, brighter months are ahead. For now, we must all continue to play our part in protecting the most vulnerable in society and to continue to stay safe. 

Stephen Reid, Chief Executive
Ards and North Down Borough Council

Please send any feedback to communications@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Open our Interactive Borough Magazine for Spring/Summer 2021