A LARNE community group has been awarded £15,000 to help with an up-coming regeneration project.
The Factory Community Association received the funding boost from the Re-imagining Communities Programme as part of a planned project in Ferris Park.
The programme, which is run by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, aims to transform neighbourh
oods throughout the province by replacing sectarian murals, flags and graffiti with artistic images that reflect the community’s culture.
No further details about the Ferris Park project have been revealed, although it is understood that the scheme is due to get underway in the next few months.
Ferris Park is not the first community in Larne to be awarded funding from the re-imaging programme. Last year, the Tullygarley area was given a major facelift after receiving a grant of £27,000.
The project, which was completed in December, saw the area undergo a complete revamp with the help of local community groups and school pupils.
The old wall, sporting a paramilitary mural, was replaced with a colourful new community mural, celebrating the history of the area and show-casing well-known landmarks.
The traditional bonfire at the site was also given an overhaul, with the usual collection of waste wood and other material being replaced with an environmentally-friendly beacon. The site was also resurfaced and the surrounding low wall was replaced with decorative metalwork panelling.
The Re-imaging Communities Programme was launched in July 2006 and to date has awarded funding to over 140 projects across Northern Ireland.
