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Ballysillan shops environmental improvement scheme now complete

Wednesday, 7 April 2010

Director of Belfast Regeneration Office, Mark O’Donnell today welcomed the completion of an environmental improvement scheme at two local shopping areas in North Belfast.

The £150,000 scheme, situated on the Ballysillan Road, included:

• the resurfacing of the footpaths outside the shops using natural sandstone;
• the reorganisation and resurfacing of the carparking area using coloured asphalt;
• semi-mature tree planting ;
• graffiti removal; and
• the removal of unsightly concrete bollards and the installation of new decorative stainless steel bollards.

Mr O’Donnell said: “This project will create a more attractive environment for local residents and pupils from nearby schools who use these shops and other facilities. The scheme will also enhance the local environment for those who work in the businesses.

“By funding these schemes, the Department is demonstrating, through the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, its commitment to improving the environment and image of our most deprived neighbourhoods. This scheme has delivered significant environmental improvements to the local shopping areas on the Ballysillan Road.”

The project is being funded by the Department for Social Development through its Belfast Regeneration Office’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.

Notes to editors:

1. The project is located within the Upper Ardoyne/Ligoniel Neighbourhood Renewal Area which is one of the top 10% most deprived areas in Northern Ireland.

2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out Government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:

• Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
• Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
• Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
• Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods

3.Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.