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Ritchie views work of Neighbourhood Warden scheme

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today visited the Burrendale Estate in Newcastle to see at first hand the benefits of the Neighbourhood Warden scheme.

The Housing Executive scheme enables residents to report issues and concerns such as vacant dwellings, anti social behaviour and illegal dumping. The wardens work closely with Councils’ Enforcement and Environmental Health Officers as well as community groups and other statutory agencies to deal with local problems.

Margaret Ritchie said: “The Neighbourhood Warden initiative is an important front line service to help address the concerns of local communities. Wardens are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community, providing a visible presence on the streets, parks and open spaces. They play an important role in making local areas cleaner, greener and safer.

“I welcome the opportunity to highlight the important work of the service in the Burrendale estate. I would encourage tenants to use their warden, Donna Savage, to help resolve day to day issues and make Burrendale a more pleasant and neighbourly place to live.”

Donna Savage, Neighbourhood Warden for Downpatrick District, said: “I really enjoy meeting tenants and trying to help them with their problems. I try to encourage all tenants to abide by their conditions of tenancy and to reduce the number of complaints of anti social behaviour, neighbour disputes, problems with pets and noisy parties. I see my role as helping our estates become better places for people to live.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Neighbourhood Warden Service is aimed at providing a range of Housing Management duties in the estates across Housing Executive Districts to ensure that they are maintained to a high standard.
  2. Contact details for Donna Savage, Downpatrick District Neighbourhood Warden, are 028 9182 9638.
  3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497 or 07792 150486. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.