Menu
20/09/2004
Footbridge re-opens five decades after being built
A £135,000 replacement footbridge has been opened in Ballymena almost five decades after the idea was first conceived.
The original bridge, named after Councillor William McNinch, was built by Ballymena Borough council, in 1957, to cut the journey time from Harryville into the town centre. It is now an important link to the Braid Retail Park.
Councillor McNinch's granddaughter, Wyllis Wiltshire, who now lives in South Africa, had returned home to visit relatives in Ballymena and was asked to open the new bridge by Roads Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Dr Andrew Murray.
Dr Murray said the new bridge provides ramps, lighting and improved access and safety for everyone, particularly those with a disability and for prams.
Local dignitaries, members of the McNinch family and representatives from John Graham, (Dromore), who constructed the bridge, attended the opening.
The scheme to replace the original McNinch Bridge was completed after five months of work.
(MB)
The original bridge, named after Councillor William McNinch, was built by Ballymena Borough council, in 1957, to cut the journey time from Harryville into the town centre. It is now an important link to the Braid Retail Park.
Councillor McNinch's granddaughter, Wyllis Wiltshire, who now lives in South Africa, had returned home to visit relatives in Ballymena and was asked to open the new bridge by Roads Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Dr Andrew Murray.
Dr Murray said the new bridge provides ramps, lighting and improved access and safety for everyone, particularly those with a disability and for prams.
Local dignitaries, members of the McNinch family and representatives from John Graham, (Dromore), who constructed the bridge, attended the opening.
The scheme to replace the original McNinch Bridge was completed after five months of work.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 February 2024
NI Fastest Growing UK Region For New Companies
Northern Ireland was the fastest-growing region of the UK for newly registered companies in 2023, according to a new index from Ulster Bank and Beauhurst. The New Startup Index highlights how in 2023 Northern Ireland gained 14,000 new companies, a 59% increase on 2022.
NI Fastest Growing UK Region For New Companies
Northern Ireland was the fastest-growing region of the UK for newly registered companies in 2023, according to a new index from Ulster Bank and Beauhurst. The New Startup Index highlights how in 2023 Northern Ireland gained 14,000 new companies, a 59% increase on 2022.
21 March 2024
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
18 April 2024
NI Civil Service Launches New Neurodiversity Toolkt
As part of Autism Awareness Month, the Civil Service has announced the launch of a new Neurodiversity Line Manager's Toolkit. As an equal opportunities employer the Civil Service has said that it is committed to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces supporting and promoting neurodiversity in the workplace is a key part of their commitment.
NI Civil Service Launches New Neurodiversity Toolkt
As part of Autism Awareness Month, the Civil Service has announced the launch of a new Neurodiversity Line Manager's Toolkit. As an equal opportunities employer the Civil Service has said that it is committed to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces supporting and promoting neurodiversity in the workplace is a key part of their commitment.
09 April 2024
Belfast Harbour Takes Delivery of New £1.5m Pilot Boat Hibernia
Belfast Harbour has this week taken delivery of its newest vessel, the £1.5 million Pilot Boat Hibernia.
Belfast Harbour Takes Delivery of New £1.5m Pilot Boat Hibernia
Belfast Harbour has this week taken delivery of its newest vessel, the £1.5 million Pilot Boat Hibernia.
05 April 2024
New UK Employment Law Leaves NI's Unpaid Carers Behind
People providing unpaid care for sick or disabled family members or friends in Northern Ireland have been 'left behind' in a new employment law that comes into force in the rest of the UK tomorrow (6 April), campaigners have warned.
New UK Employment Law Leaves NI's Unpaid Carers Behind
People providing unpaid care for sick or disabled family members or friends in Northern Ireland have been 'left behind' in a new employment law that comes into force in the rest of the UK tomorrow (6 April), campaigners have warned.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
