Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has approved a £60,000 grant programme to assist local hospitality businesses with evening trading.

The Economic Development Committee agreed the funding at its most recent meeting. The programme will support up to 25 participants and include consultant input.

The scheme aims to help businesses develop and extend their evening offers to increase footfall in town centres after daytime hours.

Council officers told the committee that businesses have reported higher operating costs, reduced evening trade, and shorter opening hours.

A previous partnership programme run with Tourism NI in 2022 produced longer-term evening initiatives from several participants.

DUP councillor Mark Cooper asked whether the new scheme would apply across the whole borough rather than only in main towns. Officers confirmed it would be borough-wide.

Councillor Cooper proposed acceptance of the recommendation. Sinn Féin councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile seconded the motion.