The funding will go towards a further range of environmental improvements in the area. This will include:
· erecting fencing in Drumbeg to keep children safe from a busy road;
· enhancing vacant land in Drumbeg by landscaping and building interactive sculptures;
· erecting fencing at nine homes in Drumbeg where exposed gable walls have been a target for graffiti; and
· extensive alterations to the roundabout at the entrance of the Parkmore Estate.
Margaret Ritchie said: “This is good news for the people in the Brownlow area of Craigavon. The scheme is aimed at improving the quality of life for the local residents. The improvements will help develop a sense of community identity and pride. They will also help to create safer more attractive neighbourhoods where residents will want to live and bring up their families.”
The Minister acknowledged the role of the other funding bodies and the Brownlow Neighbourhood Partnership who had identified the need for the schemes. She said: “One of the key factors in successfully tackling deprivation and assisting regeneration is through a partnership approach involving the public, private and community sectors. I recognise the important role which community representatives have to play as an equal partner in this process. I am also committed to ensuring that local people have the capacity to contribute to the decision making process.”
The improvements are being funded through the Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund. They will complement an earlier programme of improvements when funding of £576,000 was allocated by the Minister in December 2008.
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. The Drumbeg scheme is being funded by a DSD contribution of £85,000 with a further £15,000.00 coming from the Arts Council Northern Ireland. The fencing scheme in Drumbeg is being delivered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
3. The Parkmore scheme was developed by the local residents working closely with the PSNI, Housing Executive, Craigavon Borough Council and the Fire and Rescue Service and is being delivered by the Roads Service.
4. News Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
