1+ mon, 6+ day ago   (308+ words) A LONG-awaited restoration project at one of Newtownards’ most important historic sites is gathering pace. The famine-era graveyard known as Bully’s Acre is set to be transformed through conservation work, new interpretation panels and a memorial to those buried in…...

1+ mon, 2+ week ago   (290+ words) LEISURE services in the Ards area have received the highest accolade the industry can bestow after securing Quest Excellent Accreditation. Both Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex and Comber Leisure Centre are celebrating after receiving the top award in…...

2+ mon, 1+ week ago   (468+ words) A REGULAR visitor to Portavoe beach says the overwhelming stench of sewage forced him to abandon a planned swim during last week’s hot weather, as official figures revealed elevated levels of E. coli in nearby coastal waters. Francis Daly had…...

2+ mon, 2+ week ago   (292+ words) NEW environmental impact statements for one of the largest housing developments ever proposed for Newtownards are now available for public inspection as plans for almost 700 new homes move through the planning process. The largest application, submitted by Fraser Homes, seeks…...

3+ mon, 1+ week ago   (318+ words) A LOCAL councillor is spearheading calls for tougher legislation to combat environmental ‘vandalism’ after trees, plants and bushes were destroyed at Donaghadee’s ‘jewel in the crown’. The unauthorised removal of the greenery from the picturesque Commons area earlier this year…...

3+ mon, 1+ week ago   (705+ words) By Joe McCann A DERELICT historic landmark that lay hidden for generations has been transformed into a £1.4m heritage park and nature haven, giving Saintfield its first public parkland and breathing new life into one of the village’s most iconic sites....

3+ mon, 4+ week ago   (745+ words) A DUNDONALD man is limbering up for a challenge of a lifetime when he treks the Amazon rainforest to raise money for a local centre for people with learning disabilities. Tim Ramsey is setting off on a five-day, 230 kilometre ultra-marathon…...

4+ mon, 5+ day ago   (333+ words) A COMBER-based health product firm has used this year’s World Earth Day to unveil its climate action targets, ahead of its net zero goals by 2045. Eakin Healthcare, which manufactures and supplies medical devices for ostomy, wound, respiratory and surgical needs,…...

7+ mon, 2+ week ago   (411+ words) STORM Chandra caused widespread disruption across Ards and North Down on Tuesday forcing school closures, damaging infrastructure and leading to the shutdown of public facilities as heavy rain and severe winds bombarded the area. The majority of schools in Ards…...