Attwood applauds Kilcooley regeneration work

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today visited the Kilcooley Estate in Bangor to see at first hand the work being done to regenerate the area.

During the visit, the Minister met with local residents and community workers and heard them speak of the confidence and hopes they had for the future.

Alex Attwood said: “I am committed, through my Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, to make a difference to the lives of people in the most disadvantaged estates such as Kilcooley. I want to target resources in a way which has maximum impact and I want to work with communities to achieve that.

“Much of the good work in Kilcooley would not have been possible without the intervention of my Department. It has, since 2005, invested almost £4million on a range of projects brought forward through the Neighbourhood Renewal and housing improvement programmes.”

The Minister paid tribute to those who worked hard to help regenerate the area. He said: “I would like to pay tribute to all who have worked together, at times in difficult circumstances and against the odds to improve the future prospects for the estate. I would particularly commend the Kilcooley Community Forum, the Kilcooley Women’s Centre, Bangor Alternatives and the Kilcooley Neighbourhood Partnership for their hard work and coordination.

“But there are issues that still need to be resolved, including the erection of paramilitary memorials. I repeat that this should be rectified and I shall press for this to happen.”

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.
2. Since January 2005, the Department for Social Development has approved neighbourhood renewal funding of £1,663,504 on a number of projects in Kilcooley levering additional funding of £765,508.69 from other statutory bodies. The money has been used for such issues as community development, develop a website, community arts projects, training and development, mental health and wellbeing, nurturing project for school children, cross community work, environmental improvements such as a playground for young people etc.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned