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Randalstown named Best Kept Town in Ireland

Randalstown has been named the Best Kept Town across the island of Ireland
Randalstown has been named the Best Kept Town across the island of Ireland Randalstown has been named the Best Kept Town across the island of Ireland

RANDALSTOWN has been named the best kept town across the island of Ireland.

The Co Antrim town competed with scores of towns and villages the length and breadth of Ireland to pick up the prestigious accolade.

The Best Kept Town Awards 2018 also saw Banbridge in Co Down recognised amongst Ireland’s most beautiful spots.

The awards were presented at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office yesterday, with judges particularly impressed with the co-operation between local businesses and the community in Randalstown to bring about vast improvements in the town.

Winning the best kept small town category before taking the overall accolade, judges noted the "active participation by all residents" in Randalstown and the "sense of pride" they have.

Banbridge also named the best kept large urban centre, Geashill, Co Offaly was named best kept village and Ballina, Co Mayo won the best kept large town award.

Entrants were marked on a number of factors including cleanliness, the appearance of buildings, the presentation of roads and public facilities and the natural environment.

Doreen Muskett, president of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, which runs the awards, said: "The awards serve to recognise the towns that have committed to making aesthetic and practical improvements to benefit the wider community.

"Each resident should be very proud of this incredible achievement.

"The town is beautifully decorated, and its value is maximised with walks and viewpoints. It is extremely scenic and tidy.

"Randalstown is well maintained and it is evident that there is extensive and enthusiastic community involvement locally. It is outstanding to have a winner from Northern Ireland."