Antrim retains Best Kept crown but Randalstown is the Best of the Best!

WHAT a week it has been for towns and villages across the Borough!

The 2023 Best Kept Awards were held at Mossley Mill on Wednesday, which was just as well given that Antrim and Newtownabbey practically swept the board - with locals taking no fewer than six of the 10 prizes up for grabs.

Antrim town celebrated lifting the title of Best Kept Large Town for the second year in a row.

The judges were ‘thoroughly impressed’ by the quality of green spaces and the ‘remarkable diversity’ of planting arrangements seen in the heart of the town.

Northern Ireland Amenity Council chair Doreen Muskett commended Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their ‘unyielding dedication and hard work in enhancing the lives of residents and the local environment within Antrim Town’.

And the wins just kept on coming!

Una Johnston, of Tidal Toome, was presented with the George Best Belfast City Airport Community Hero Award.

Una was recognised for the pivotal role she played in the creation of new bedding facilities, village enhancements and overall development.

“Una’s impact on Toome is immeasurable and her selfless work deserves the highest recognition,” said Mrs Muskett.

Neillsbrook Estate in Randalstown lifted Northern Ireland’s Best Kept Large Housing Area award - and the NIAC chair said it was richly deserved.

“The residents of Neillsbrook Estate are to be congratulated on the cleanliness of the roads and paved areas within the estate,” she said.

“There are many landscaped open green spaces and at the entrance there is a welcoming display of colourful planting and a large wooden welcome sign.”

There were also nods for Ballynure, which was crowned Best Kept Small Village, and Mallusk which received the Welcome Award.

Randalstown also added to their enviable haul of awards in recent years, taking the Best Kept Small Town gong.

And then it was the big one - the Best of the Best.

That prestigious title is also winging its way to Randalstown.

The success for the town, which boasts its own High Line community garden, is a testament to the huge community effort from a dedicated team of locals.

“We are delighted to recognise the superb environmental work being done throughout Northern Ireland and celebrate all those who work tirelessly throughout the year to improve the areas in which they live or work,” said Doreen Muskett.

“Randalstown and indeed all this year’s winners truly embody the spirit of the Best Kept Awards, showcasing their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents and preserving the natural beauty of the region.”

Organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport, the awards commend the dedication and hard work of volunteers, Improvement Groups and Councils who have made outstanding contributions to improving their local environment.

Now in its 66th year, the Best Kept campaign attracted participants from all corners of Northern Ireland.

The categories recognised not only the aesthetic appeal of the nominated areas but also the efforts to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement.

NIAC’s own Charlie Smyth was presented with The President’s Trophy for his almost 40 years dedication and commitment to the Best Kept Campaign.