Members of the community in Bushmills are invited to get involved with a new project to enhance the local area.
The Bushmills Community Choices, a participatory budgeting initiative, will identify and develop community-led ideas. It will be co-designed by groups and individuals from the village itself and is part of a new scheme delivered by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, in partnership with the Northern Area Community Network.
Anyone with an interest in the village is encouraged to put forward a suggestion or idea, with several pots of funding totalling £6000 available to progress the most popular.
A drop-in conversation will take place on Thursday 16th June, 2pm – 7pm in Bushmills Community Centre to share information on the project and how you can get involved and submit your bid form.
The closing date for bids is 9th September with a community voting event to be held at the end of September.
Offering his support, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community in Bushmills and the surrounding area to make a positive difference. If you have been thinking about a concept to improve village life now is your chance to share it with others and make it a reality. We’re looking for participants of all ages to get involved from Primary Six pupils and upwards – please come along to our information session to find out more.
“Council Officers will be there to support you along the way so if your group or organisation is getting together in the near future, please consider inviting them along as well to discuss your ideas.”
Breige Conway, Manager for Northern Area Community Network (NACN) said:
"This is a very exciting time for the village of Bushmills. It’s the first time trying this way of working to encourage as much participation as possible. The process is allowing everyone a chance to shape and plan the future for the community and to work with statutory organisations to take the ideas forward.”
For further information on this project, email: gerard.mcIlroy@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk (Good Relations) or gabrielle.quinn@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk (Community Development).
