McCausland announces £19,900 funding boost for Ballymena Neighbourhood Renewal Area

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced further funding of almost £19,900 for the Ballymena Neighbourhood Renewal Area.
~ Wednesday, 11 January 2012

The funding will allow for the continued employment of a community development officer within the Ballymena Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The officer will play a key role in helping to bring community groups together, improving participation and sharing resources. They will also support local voluntary and community groups in developing and delivering projects that improve the lives of local people.

Nelson McCausland said: “This is good news for people in Ballymena neighbourhood renewal area. The funding will provide significant benefits for local people. The community development officer will be instrumental in continuing to develop and implement projects within the area. They will also help establish solid foundations in the area and manage important activities set out within the Ballymena action plan for the area.

“By contributing to this project my department is demonstrating its commitment to improving the quality of life and social conditions for people living in Ballymena.”

Notes to the editors:

1. 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.
2. 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.