Alex Attwood meets Shankill business and community leaders

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today visited the Greater Shankill area to hear at first hand issues facing local traders and community representatives.

Alex Attwood said: “Following the brutal murder of Bobby Moffett on the Shankill Road, I gave a commitment to people in the area that I would come and listen to their concerns in detail. I was able to spend the morning in and around the Shankill Road, to renew some contacts and meet some people for the first time. There are real issues of disadvantage in the area.”

The Minister met the Greater Shankill Partnership. He assured them that he would argue strongly for continued funding for urban regeneration and community development, but was forthright about the nature of the challenge.

He said: “I have made it clear to my Executive colleagues that the work of the Department for Social Development is at the front line when it comes to tackling disadvantage. Individual MLAs continually make the case to me for support of projects in their constituencies.

“Like me, they value the work done by many voluntary and community sector organisations. I want to see that support translated into funding for programmes like Neighbourhood Renewal. Now, more than ever, communities need investment if they are to avoid the worst effects of poverty and inequality.”

The Minister also met with the Greater Shankill Business Community Forum and heard of the difficulties faced by local traders in the current economic climate.

He said: “My Department can help local businesses by improving the physical environment in the area, making it more attractive to visitors and shoppers. I can also help by making grant aid available for traders and investors to develop or improve their premises. But once again, I need to be given the resources to make this a reality.”

The Minister noted the particular housing need in the Shankill area, visiting Battenberg Street, an area earmarked for new housing development. He called upon his Executive colleague Edwin Poots to ensure that the necessary planning processes were completed quickly so that the Shankill could benefit from new social and affordable housing.

Mr Attwood also met with workers from a number of local groups including Stadium Youth and the Lower Shankill Community Network.

Notes to editors:

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