The Co Antrim town also won the Best Kept Small Town category, before taking the overall accolade, beating off stiff competition from towns and villages the length and breadth of Ireland. Judges were particularly impressed with the co-operation between local businesses and the community to bring about vast enhancement in the town, noting the active participation by all residents and the ‘sense of pride’ they all have. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Tidy Randalstown Chairperson Helen Boyd said the winning of this award is an "amazing achievement” for the team of 43 volunteers who “just keep giving over and over again”. "They are the heroes who made this all possible and all should feel equally proud. The unfailing support we receive from residents, businesses, community organisations and our council also makes a huge contribution to our success and their appreciation for the work we do makes the effort all the more worthwhile”.
Derry / Londonderry was also awarded the title Best Kept Large Urban Centre, a category that includes locations with city status. The annual celebration, which has been running since 1995 and is part of the Tidy Town and Best Kept initiatives which recognises towns and villages across Ireland which consistently take pride in their surroundings, be it through enhancing their natural environment with flowers and fol.