Ritchie gives support to allotment scheme in Enniskillen

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced almost £19,000 to re-launch a community allotment scheme in Kilmacormick, Enniskillen.

This community lead scheme will provide local families with an opportunity to grow fresh food in a secure area. It is hoped that this will also promote improvement in physical and mental health through energetic activity. Another aim of the project is to help pull together the local community within the area.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I am pleased to support this allotment scheme in the Enniskillen Neighbourhood Renewal Area. It demonstrates my commitment to tackling deprivation and closing the gap between those who live in disadvantaged areas and those who do not.”

“This type of scheme helps to strengthen resident’s pride of place and sense of belonging. The allotment scheme will be an asset for local residents and increase community spirit within the area.”

The need for this project came about through consultation between local residents and the Devenish Partnership Forum. The scheme is also being developed and managed by the Forum.

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.

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