The recent news has only fuelled the ever continuing criticism from the local traders who have hit out at the delay, a claimed lack of information as well as the allegation of the Town Centre Partnership's inconsistency in 'liaising' with them.
The 12-week scheme, being funded by the Department of Social Development (DSD), involves the upgrading of Main Street (including the "Diamond" junction – Charlotte Street/High Street/Main Street/Church Street) and Seymour Street with some minor adjustments planned to the road and footway layout.
Mr Eddie Cassells, proprietor of E.J. and Son Cassells on Main Street explained: "The town centre is to be revamped and as far as local traders knew, the scheme was to start last week. However this never materialized and we've now been told it's to be delayed for six weeks until after the Twelfth.
"I, as well as many other retailers, are sick and tired of not knowing what's going on. Obviously we are pleased with the scheme, which is great and a welcome boost the area.
"However the Town Centre Management are meant to keep us in the loop but they do not liaise with the business people of the area what so ever. If we want to find out something, we have to do it ourselves - the mind just boggles."
In response Joanne McLaughlin, Town Centre Project Officer, Ballymoney Town Centre Management advised: "I hand-delivered a letter to all accessible businesses in Main Street on Wednesday, 17th June, providing an update on the streetscape scheme.
"This update was distributed following the Development Committee meeting held on 15th June; the letter explained why there has been a delay and prior to this there was nothing further to report.
"This information was therefore the follow-up to the consultation meeting that took place on 31st March to which all businesses and residents in the key streets were invited and which approx 30 people attended, including Mr Eddie Cassells.
"Additionally, I have spoke with Eddie in person and on the phone on a number of occasions over the last month, even if it was simply to say there was nothing further to report.
"During one of these conversations, he had commented to me that he was chatting to the contractors who were measuring up the streets, who had informed him of a 14th June start date. My letter explains the subsequent delays to that date.
"I do understand that delays are disappointing and frustrating. However, as Mr Cassells has stated, the traders are pleased with the scheme.
"Furthermore, both traders and the Town Centre Management recognise that this DSD funded programme, which is being implemented in conjunction with Roads Service, will bring many positive benefits to the town's businesses and their customers, as well as to the Ballymoney streetscape."
Mr Cassells also slammed the recent work being carried out by planters on the town centre flower arrangements continuing: "What is the point? The arrangements will have to be moved once the street scheme gets going. It's just another waste of ratepayers' money."
Responding Joanne said: "In response to the matter of the planters going out this week, the removal and reinstatement of street furniture including planters, is part of the DSD funded streetscape scheme, and is not funded directly through Council. "We feel it is important to have the town looking well for as much of the summer as we possibly can, hence these planters will be out for a period of at least six weeks from 17 June to 26 July.
"During the works period, I will be asking the contractors to relocate the planters to the unaffected streets, rather than putting them into storage."
"Should there be any specific concerns of a technical nature, all parties are advised to contact Roads Service in Ballymoney - John McKinley (who took over from Alfie Hunter) is the main contact.
"Town Centre Management shall endeavour to continue communications with the helpful assistance of local press and by letter drops."

Streetscape update letter

Dear Trader,
Further to my letter in March 2009, I wish to provide you with an update on plans to upgrade Main Street (including the "Diamond" junction – Charlotte Street/High Street/Main Street/Church Street) and Seymour Street.
Following the consultation on 31st March, residents and traders agreed to the plans presented. However, as Main Street is in a Conservation Area, Planning Service consider that asphalt resurfacing of footways is inappropriate and an alternative surface of paving block was proposed following a meeting with Planning Service, Roads Service and DSD.
A revised funding bid has been submitted to DSD. The TCM Board feel that a more aesthetically pleasing scheme has now been reached. These proceedings have delayed the start date to 28th June, and with regards to fact that all contractors are off site during the Twelfth fortnight, a new start date of 26th July has been scheduled.
The major excavation works will mostly be carried out after trading hours and on Sundays. The less disruptive works such as paving shall be carried out during normal trading hours. Works are scheduled for a 10-12 week period. Footways will be completed by the beginning of September, after which, the contractors will move on to resurface Main St and then reinstate street furniture before the end of September.
I shall continue to provide you with updates as they arise.