Continued development of Upper Springfield community is crucial – Attwood

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today said community development programmes in the Upper Springfield area are crucial to its people.

The Minister was visiting the Upper Springfield Development Company Limited (USDCL) at their premises on the Springfield Road.

USDCL was established in 1993 to oversee projects aimed at addressing the social needs of the local community identified in the Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan for the area, such as:

• Youth and children’s services;
• Health, community sport and disability action services; and
• Training services.

Alex Attwood said: "For the people living within Upper Springfield, a sense of belonging and pride in their area and in themselves is crucial to the continued stabilisation and growth of this community. The amount of effort the USCDL are putting into the delivery of these services is evident."

Alex Attwood continued: "USCDL has also examined how it will manage the changes that will come due to the economic turndown and the clear potential tightening of public budgets. Reviewing service provision and improving cross-sector working relationships will be essential in maximising current and future resources. The proactive exploration of such possibilities in the Upper Springfield area is to be commended and will stand this community in good stead.

"But action is needed, decisions need to be taken and discussions need to be accelerated. We are three months from a budget decision and seven months from its impact. This is a short timeframe to get a fit budget and to manage its impact."

Notes to editors:

1. The Upper Springfield Development Company Limited was formally established in 1993. It operates community support programmes through its Top of the Rock facility. USDCL also manage social enterprise schemes Direct Links Transport and Outsource Financial Management Services to generate income to support the organisation’s longer-term sustainability.
2. The Company is the lead partner of the Upper Springfield Whiterock Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership providing line management of the Neighbourhood Renewal staff and financial accountability for the resources available for the implementation of the Neighbourhood Action Plan.
3. The Company has recently undertaken an organisational review to ensure that it is ‘fit for purpose’ in the challenging and changing funding environment.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.