Broughshane becomes ‘Best of the Best Kept’ in NI

BROUGHSHANE, a long time entrant to the SuperValu Best Kept Town Awards, has come out on top in this year’s accolades and has been praised by Environment Minister Alex Attwood for the community participation that makes the village one of the most cared for places in the province.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Oct 2012, 14:20 BST

Although no stranger to awards and a regular category winner in the Best Kept Awards, Broughshane has never before won the title of Best Kept Town in Northern Ireland.

Announcing the news, Minister Attwood praised the residents of Broughshane for their commitment to the environment, stating: “It takes a lot of effort to make a town or village look as good as Broughshane and the residents obviously plan and work year round to ensure their community is as attractive as it can be. This commitment is a manifestation of the obvious pride of place in the village.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All of this year’s winning towns, villages and housing areas are to be congratulated on their dedication to environmental excellence, and well done to the people of Broughshane, for winning the title of Northern Ireland’s Best Kept Town.”

The village has one of the most active volunteer improvement committees in Northern Ireland, and is picture postcard pretty, with window boxes, hanging baskets and not a pick of litter in sight.

Doreen Muskett MBE, Chairman of NIAC, said Broughshane was a deserving winner, adding: “Broughshane has featured in the list of winners over the years, but we are delighted that this year they have won the ‘Best of the Best’ award.

“It is clear to see the level of civic pride when you visit the village, as well as the amount of time and physical work the community puts into the place. It is a very clean and attractive village and one where the residents, businesses and the council work together to achieve these great results.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The borough had two other successes in the Best Kept Awards. - Ahoghill came runner up in the Large Village category of the awards and Gracehill came runner up in the Small Village category.

The prestigious Best Kept Awards are organised annually by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and sponsored by independent retail group SuperValu. Established in the 1950’s, they have commended thousands of towns, villages, housing areas, schools and healthcare facilities on their work to improve the environment.

Participating towns, villages and housing areas are judged by NIAC on their green activities, including planted areas, biodiversity projects and recycling schemes. The general tidiness and cleanliness of entries, including the absence of litter, fly-posting and graffiti is rated and community involvement scores highly in the judging process.

Winning towns and villages were presented with a personalised sign, a park bench made from recycled materials and a monetary donation towards their environmental endeavours. Winners of the Best Kept Housing Area Awards received a Best Kept sign.