Efforts underway to enhance new 'traffic-free' Kells streets

Kells is set to shine this summer as a new enhancement initiative was launched this week to improve the town, which is expecting great changes this summer when the opening of the M3 takes thousands of vehicles from the centre of the town each day. Cllr William Carey, cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, formally launched the new enhancement programme in Kells on Monday evening. The new initiative, which was developed by Meath County Council and Kells Town Council with support from the Kells Chamber of Commerce, aims to assist traders and property-owners in the town who wish to improve the town and their environment. There are eight streets participating in the pilot scheme, which will be extended further next year to include the whole town. Each participating street will be asked to compete against one another over the summer months. When the judges visit, they will be looking for attractive shop fronts, a clutter-free environment, cleanliness and tidiness, well-maintained bins and bollards, good use of colour, treatment of derelict sites and buildings in need of repair and an emphasis on heritage. Brendan McGrath, Meath County Council director of services, thanked all of the participants for agreeing to take part and wished them well in their endeavours. Meanwhile, there are plans for a traditional market day in Kells this July as the local community plans to 'reclaim the streets' following the opening of the motorway. Kells Chamber of Commerce will host the Kells Market Day on Sunday 4th July with a market, which will see large number of arts, crafts and artisan food stalls, as well as a farmers' market, family fun, street entertainment and livestock displays. The Chamber will be applying to Kells Town Council to close off Farrell Street, Cross Street, Market Street, Newmarket Street and Church Street to facilitate the event, which will be run in conjunction with the Kells Heritage Festival. The market will also include three separate entertainment areas and there will be traditional song and dance, modern music and the Kells Musical and Dramatic Society is planning to stage a pageant during the fair. The organisers are hoping to attract thousands of visitors to the town for the colourful market.