Attwood announces funding for Callanbridge

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood, has announced funding of over £45,000 for the installation of alley gates and fencing improvements throughout the Callanbridge estate in Armagh.

The grant from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, will provide lockable gates at 16 locations throughout the estate and upgrade fencing. The project was planned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive with assistance from Groundwork NI.

Alex Attwood said: ‘For some time the residents of Callanbridge have faced anti-social behaviour and the numerous rear alleyways throughout the estate have been identified as a source of the problem. This scheme will help reduce this problem by allowing the residents, who will each hold keys for the new gates, to close off these alleyways at night.’

The Minister praised the local community association who have been actively involved in driving forward the project and urged residents to work constructively with community representatives to help discourage anti-social behaviour in the Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. He also acknowledged the role of the Housing Executive in managing the project and the assistance of Groundwork NI who carried out the local consultation.

He said, “This project is an excellent example of local community and statutory organisations coming together to deliver real benefits for their communities. It will improve the quality of life for the residents of Callanbridge by helping to create a safe and attractive, sustainable environment.’

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' which was published in June 2003, sets out government’s proposals for closing 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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