Latest funding for Ballyclare announced by Minister Ritchie

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced almost £1,700 of funding to allow local residents of Grange, Ballyclare to attend a Best Practice Communications Study Visit.

The study visit will allow the Grange Residents Association to visit Glebeside Community House in Ballymoney to meet and engage with other community associations, so that they can share experiences and learn from one another.

Speaking about the announcement the Minister said: “I am pleased to support this community development funding in the Ballyclare Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The main aim is to help improve communications within the Grange/Thornhill and Ollardale estates and to support the local Residents Association in their upcoming visit to other community associations.

"Alongside making financial help available, I want to promote the values of self reliance within our communities in Northern Ireland. This project will encourage social interaction among local people and help promote social cohesion in this Neighbourhood Renewal Area.”

The funding will also be used to supply notice boards for the Grange/Thornhill and Ollardale estates. The notice boards will be used to inform and publicise events within the estates and will be 50% match funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.  

Notes to Editors:

1. DSD is contributing funding of £1,697 which amounts to 50% of costs for the supply and fixing of two notice boards in the Grange/Thornhill and Ollardale estates with Northern Ireland Housing Executive meeting the remaining cost. DSD will fund a Best Practice Study Visit for those living, working and associated with the Grange Neighbourhood Renewal Area.
2. The study visit will take place in April and the signboards will be erected in May.
3. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.