Bilingual street signage will be introduced after a vote was taken behind closed doors at Council on Monday night.

The vote won through on yet another slender margin with 19 councillors voting in favour, while 18 voted against.

Sinn Fein have welcome the introduction of the bi-Lingual street sign policy in ABC Council.

They say the new policy brings Council into line with its legal obligations.

Deputy Group Leader Sinn Féin councillor Liam Mackle said: “Despite clear legal advice and a successful legal challenge against Antrim & Newtownabbey Council unionist councillors have consistently tried to block this new amended policy.

“This now clears the way for residents who wish to have official bi-lingual signage in their street or development to make applications.

“It marks a new respect for the Irish Language within the Borough and hopefully increased visibility for our native language.

“All fair-minded ratepayers will welcome this important development in ABC as a welcome sign of progress on language rights.

The DUP said they will be seeking legal advice on the issue.

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