Margaret Ritchie visits Seacourt Estate in Larne

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA was in Larne today, visiting the Seacourt estate to see how funding from her Department is being used in the local community.

During the visit she met with members of Seacourt Community Council and Larne Youth to hear more about their work in the estate and plans for the future. Seacourt is part of the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) ‘Areas at Risk’ pilot programme, which supports projects in targeted areas that help build social cohesion and community confidence.

Ms Ritchie commented: “I am very encouraged by what I have seen in Seacourt today. Although challenges remain, the Community Council and local residents are to be congratulated for their efforts to work constructively with agencies such as my Department, the Housing Executive and the local Council to deliver improvements for the area.”

The Minister toured ongoing work being funded by DSD to renovate two bungalows at Channel View to provide dedicated facilities for the young people of Seacourt and the surrounding areas. A youth outreach officer has also been employed and will be delivering a variety of programmes from the building, which is expected to open in September. She also heard more about a new horticultural project being supported by the Department. Commencing in the Autumn, the project will set up a gardening club and grow plants to create hanging baskets and floral displays that will not only brighten up the estate but will be sold across the borough.

Commenting on the projects, Ms Ritchie added: “I am delighted to have seen at first hand the positive impact my Department’s support is having in Seacourt. A programme such as Areas at Risk is not just about financial investment; it is providing an opportunity for local people to get involved and have their say in helping to reinvigorate their community. It is clear that much is being achieved here.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The ‘Areas at Risk Pilot Programme’ (AaR) was launched in June 2006 to provide support to communities outside the Noble 10% indicators of most disadvantage but at risk of economic, social or environmental decline. The programme focuses on building social cohesion within the area; confidence in dealing with neighbouring communities and building a wider sense of belonging.

2. The pilot programme has a budget of £3 million over two years (2006/07 and 2007/08).  

3. The 10 pilot Areas at Risk are:

• parts of Ligoniel and Sydenham (not previously covered by Neighbourhood Renewal)
• Taughmonagh in Belfast
• Ballynoshollag in Londonderry
• Enogh in Limavady (Greystone Road, Enogh Park, Scroggy Close)
• Dunclug in Ballymena
• West Portadown
• Rathenraw Estate in Antrim
• Dhu Varren/Glenmanus in Portrush
• Seacourt in Larne

4.Investment in Seacourt projects:

• Revenue Funding

Youth Outreach Programme £139,901

Horticultural Project estimated costs £40k, of which Larne LSP is contributing £20k

• Capital Funding

Refurbishment of bungalows estimated costs £165,000.

5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078.   Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.