Environmental improvement works in Strathroy, Omagh commence - Ritchie

Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie has announced the commencement of environmental improvement works in Strathroy housing estate in Omagh.

Making the announcement, Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome the commencement of work to improve the appearance of this area of open space in Strathroy. Environmental improvements of this nature are essential to ensure that residents retain a sense of pride in their locality.

"I believe that the scheme has been designed to minimise opportunities for anti-social behaviour and will enhance the quality of life for people in the local area.”

The scheme, which was developed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in consultation with local residents, has been designed to address local concerns about unsightly and neglected areas of open space that have been associated with anti-social behaviour.

Minister Ritchie has provided funding of £174,318 from her department's Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund to implement the scheme. It will provide six courtyard gardens, resulting in a more practical and safe environment designed to minimise opportunities for loitering.

Commenting further the Minister said: “I have demonstrated my continued support for neighbourhood renewal initiatives in Omagh. Funding a project that is a direct reaction to the needs of a local community, is further evidence of my efforts to tackle deprivation and improve the quality of life for people in these areas. I want to close this gap between those who live in disadvantaged areas and those who do not.

"I also acknowledge that work on the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme would not succeed without the good work of the community and voluntary sector representatives.

"I wish to express my gratitude to those who are positively committing to this process and I look forward to further progress by the Omagh Neighbourhood Partnership for a better future for all people living in this neighbourhood renewal area.”

Welcoming the scheme, Councillor Martin McColgan, Chairman of Strathroy Community Association, said: “We are delighted that the work has now started on our environmental improvement scheme and very much appreciate the support that we have received from the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Housing Executive.

We would like to thank the DSD for providing the funding for the project through their Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund. We would also pay tribute to the Housing Executive for their hard work in planning the scheme, liaising with the residents and supervision of the work until its completion.”

To date the department has provided in excess of £1million towards the implementation of neighbourhood renewal in Omagh. In addition to work to improve the physical environment, funding has been provided for a diverse range of projects to support local communities and to improve people’s health, education and personal safety.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close 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.
• The Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership is one of those funded by DSD.

2. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned