Council dedicates ‘Diamond Jubilee Bridge’ at Ballykeel

Performing the ceremony last Monday, Ballymena Mayor Hubert Nicholl congratulated the communities in the Ballykeel area for their support of the building project and congratulated them on the naming of the bridge as the “Ballykeel Diamond Jubilee Bridge”.

The re-development of the bridge, which was constructed as part of a community project involving the Ministry of Agriculture, The Army, the Department of Environment and Ballymena Borough Council some 40 years ago, provides a much needed link to the town for residents of Ballykeel.

Its official opening, which was attended by Vice Lieutenant Richard Reade, Councillors, community representatives and members of the project team, also witnessed the unveiling of a plaque at the bridge which acknowledges the contribution made by the Army in the original construction of the wooden bridge which had spanned the river for almost four decades.

Looking ahead, the Mayor said he hoped the new bridge would continue to provide a lasting service to the community.

His remarks were echoed by Ballymena South Councillor Martin Clarke who said: “As councillor for the area, I would like to thank on behalf of the community the chief executive of Council and the entire staff involved in the bridge project as well as the contractors for doing such a great job.

“The bridge, now named the Ballykeel Diamond Jubilee Bridge, will be greatly used for a long time to come”.