MLAs have little to say over £14,200 pay increase
By Joe McCann
THIS April Fools Day, MLAs across Northern Ireland will receive a 27% pay increase of £14,200 pay rise, upping their salaries from...
Hopes new mural of Blair Mayne will reignite Victoria Cross campaign
By Julie Waters
THE artist behind a new mural honouring Lieutenant Colonel Blair Mayne hopes his artwork will help secure a posthumous Victoria Cross for...
Borough rents have soared over 50% over past five years
By Lesley Walsh
RENTS have risen by more than half since the start of Covid but the sharp increases have begun to slow down, according...
Appeal for volunteers as Newtownards poppy cascade plans go ahead
By Violet Brown
AN army of volunteers is being recruited to create an eye catching installation in Newtownards during the Season of Remembrance 2026. Around...
Mental health charity warns lives are at risk over funding cuts
By Lesley Walsh
LIVES are at risk if a locally-based mental health charity fails to secure a replacement for its funding stream which ends this...
Ghost story set in ‘Ulster Scots heartland’
THE Ards peninsula plays a central role in the debut novel of established writer and Ulster-Scots enthusiast, Diane Hoy.
Greyabbey, Newtownards and Cloughey are key...
Ards pupils join new park run initiative
By George Payne
A SCHOOL in Newtownards is taking part in a new initiative to improve the physical and mental health of pupils. Children from...
Over £1million allocated to upgrade borough play parks
By Joe McCann
ARDS and North Down Council is continuing with its plan to upgrade and modernise play parks across the borough.
Island View playpark in...
‘Overwhelming’ support for bridge at Strangford Lough
By Julie Waters
THE campaign to build a bridge across Strangford Lough has gathered pace after Ards and North Down councillors unanimously called on the...
Environmental improvement scheme approved for Ballywalter
By Julie Waters
ARDS and North Down Council has given the green light for an environmental improvement scheme to breathe ‘regeneration and revitalisation’ into the...