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Attwood announces funding boost for BEAT (NI) Ltd, Ballymena

Monday, 27 September 2010

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood today announced further funding of almost £49,000 for Ballykeel Environment Action Team (BEAT) (NI) Ltd, Ballymena.

The funding for this social economy project in the Ballykeel Neighbourhood Renewal Area, will provide salaries for five people.

Alex Attwood said: "This small local community business in the Ballykeel estate is of real importance for local people and I welcome the opportunity for my Department to offer support to the Board of BEAT (NI) Ltd at this time of financial difficulties.

"This community based company provides employment for local people and helps to combat local environmental problems. It helps provide a clean and safe place to live that the residents of Ballykeel Neighbourhood Renewal Area can be proud of."

The Board of BEAT (NI) Ltd will assess their existing service provision over the coming months and determine how best to adjust their business plan for achieving objectives in the present financial climate.

Notes to editors:

  1. DSD is contributing funding of £48,804.82 to BEAT (NI) Ltd to cover salaries for a seven month period to 31 March 2011.
  2. BEAT (NI) Ltd have received funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund of £339,636.89 dating from 2005 to sustain this social economy project in the Ballykeel Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

    The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Places' which was published in June 2003 sets out governments 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 the areas;
    - Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy;
    - Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe, and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods; and
    - 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.
  3. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.