Lisburn is the best place to live in N.I.

According to research carried out by The Detail, Lisburn has topped the poll against all other council areas in the country.

Lisburn has the lowest council rates, the lowest levels of unemployment, the highest earnings, healthy life expectancy scores and excellent access to key services such as hospitals, roads, rail and air links according to the report released last week.

The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett said: “Having been a resident in the area for many years, I am delighted to see the council area, of which I am proud to be Mayor, take the top spot.

“This is a very popular place to live in and work, and the council is working to continually improve the area.

“We struck the lowest council rates of all of the newly formed eleven councils and our objective is to deliver the highest quality services possible and provide these in the most economical way to our expanded ratepayer base.

“Coupled with community planning, listening to and consulting with our residents and preparing an Area Development Plan, we will continue to position our boundary area to the best advantage.”

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, welcomed The Detail’s findings.

“The local economy and our businesses and industry success, inward investment opportunities, exporting potentials and ongoing development support in the economy, is very much the business of the Council,” he said.

“Of course quality of life also includes things like great parks, good playgrounds, great events for families and sporting enthusiasts, retail choice, tourism and the popularity of the history and heritage of the area.

“This Council area offers city living with suburban, towns, village and countryside choice.

“There are great schools and a fantastic variety of leisure amenities and I am gratified, that it has been recognised as owning first place.”