By Annie Stewart
COMBER has been named as the Best Kept Medium Town in Northern Ireland.
The town picked up the award in the Best Kept Awards NI ceremony held at the Guildhall in Derry last week.
The awards are organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) in a bid to encourage residents to take pride in their communities and build community spirit.
Roy Murray, of the Comber Regeneration Partnership, explained that Ards and North Down Council had nominated the town for the award and that everyone is ‘absolutely delighted’.
“We’re all absolutely delighted,” he said. “It means more to us as we didn’t have to do anything or meet criteria. It’s just based on the hard work and dedication of local people.
“Comber Regeneration volunteers are involved as well but there’s a lot of other volunteers who help with the upkeep of the town.”
Roy explained that a number of people work hard to ‘keep the town looking lovely’.
“It’s people like Brian Scott, Irene Kirk, Mark Reilly and Marjorie Burnside, who when they are down the street, tidy up and do their bit,” he said.
“Brian cuts the grass around Comber to keep it neat and tidy, and others litter pick or help weed the floor beds and look after them.
“We’re very grateful to the council staff at the public toilets who litter pick twice daily.”
The town was awarded signs to put up at the entrances to show it is the Best Kept Medium Town 2024.
Comber alderman Philip Smith congratulated all the volunteers who help keep the town tidy.
““Well done to all those who have helped achieve this award for Comber,” said Mr Smith.
“I know that so much of the work is done by volunteers and without their dedication there would be no award. From mowing the grass to maintaining planters to installing gateway features to conducting regular litter picks, there are many hours of work freely given and much of it goes unseen.
“At least now the hard work has been recognised and thank you to all the volunteers for all that you do.
“Let us build on this success. If anyone wants to get involved please contact CRCP either via their Facebook page or come along to the Community Garden at Glen Link,” he said.
Strangford MLA Nick Mathison said it is ‘fantastic recognition’ for Comber.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to all the volunteers who helped secure this fantastic recognition for Comber” said Mr Mathison.
“The Comber Regeneration Partnership have of course played a big part, but there are lots of other volunteers who have been involved, and all of them deserve immense credit.
“I am very lucky to have my office in a town displaying so much civic pride, and this award is testament to the commitment of everyone living in the town to keep it in such fantastic condition.”
