Minister Ritchie's personal touch for Gallow's Hill resident

Minister Margaret Ritchie today received a warm welcome when she called on a resident of Gallows Hill, Omagh, to personally present her with an emergency alarm system.

Through the Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal plans, systems of this nature are being made available for people in Gallows Hill, Johnston Park, O’Kane Park, Campsie and Strathroy.

Regularly people who are quite capable and independent in most respects, can feel isolated and vulnerable sometimes due to circumstances beyond their control.

These emergency alarms will ensure that people in these circumstances have a dependable link to assistance for 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Speaking to local residents during her visit, Minister Ritchie said: “I am delighted to be here in Omagh today to meet with local residents from the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. I will continue to fully support them and their neighbour’s efforts to ensure that these important communities retain their historic image as a safe and attractive area to live in.

"The personal alarm systems that my Department has sponsored, will ensure that people who feel vulnerable have dependable support should an emergency arise.”

The Minister went on to view recent work carried out through Neighbourhood Renewal at the Mullaghmore Resource Centre and new play equipment in Campsie.

On the way to Gallows Hill, she visited the site of proposed work for Johnston Park. She went on to say: “I am pleased to see that significant work continues throughout the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. My Department is committed to ensuring the regeneration of deprived communities within our society.

"I intend to visit other estates within the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area on my next visit to Omagh to see the work planned and being undertaken to help with the regeneration of those areas.”

Notes to Editors

1. Inquiries regarding the personal alarm systems to the Community Safety Partnership Officer Omagh District Council the Grange Omagh on 028 8224 5321
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.