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McCausland announces funding boost for BEAT (NI) LTD, Ballymena

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland today announced further funding of over £37,000 for Ballykeel Environment Action Team (BEAT) (NI) Ltd in Ballymena.
~ Wednesday, 22 June 2011

The funding will secure the employment of five people for this social economy project in the Ballykeel Neighbourhood Renewal Area to help combat local environmental problems including: grass and hedge cutting, illegal dumping removal and pathway clearing.

Minister McCausland said: “This small community based business in the Ballykeel estate is of real importance for local people. It helps provide a clean and safe place to live that the residents of Ballykeel Neighbourhood Renewal Area can be proud of.

“In these difficult financial times, sustaining important projects like this in areas like Ballykeel becomes all the more crucial. I welcome the opportunity for my Department to offer further support.”

The Board of B.E.A.T. (NI) Ltd will assess their existing service provision over the coming months and determine how best to adjust their business plan for achieving objectives in the present financial climate.

Notes to editors:

  1. DSD is contributing funding of £37,109.80 to BEAT (NI) Ltd to cover salaries for 6 months to 30 September 2011.
  2. BEAT (NI) Ltd has received total funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund of £388,441.71 since 2005.
  3. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy “People and Places,” which was published in June 2003, sets out governments proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
  4. 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 the areas;
    Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy;
    Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe, and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods; and
    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.
  5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.