Attwood condemns fire on North Belfast church property

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today visited the premises of the 174 Trust on the Antrim Road in North Belfast. This was a scheduled visit where he learned of the damage to the centre following an overnight break-in and fire.

Speaking today from the hall where the fire took place Minister Attwood praised the community workers and volunteers who deliver essential childcare services to local people in the centre.

Alex Attwood said: “The 174 Trust is a charitable organisation delivering childcare and after-schools services to local children in the New Lodge and Cliftonville areas. My visit to the Trust premises today was part of a wider visit to meet community group representatives in the area. It is disheartening that this centre has been the target of an overnight arson attack.

“The centre is used every day as a playgroup and after-schools club and as a venue for community tea dances and meetings. Three different disability groups from across North and West Belfast use these facilities on a weekly basis.”

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