Ritchie brings Christmas cheer to Downpatrick as new playground swings into action

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie delivered an early Christmas boost for children in Downpatrick as she officially opened a new £160,000 playground.

The playground, funded by her department and Down District Council, is situated in the Mount Crescent area of the town.

Margaret Ritchie said: "This new play park will be a great source of fun and enjoyment for young people and families in the Mount Crescent area. It will provide much needed facilities for play and recreation and will also enhance the local environment. I welcome that I have been able to part fund this worthwhile project."

Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor William Dick said: "Down District Council is delighted to provide this opportunity for children and families to get together, have fun and be active. This new fun space will give local kids an outlet to burn energy after school and on the weekends.

"I wish to commend the Bridge Street community for their commitment and effort in working on this project in a voluntary capacity. Down District Council aims to improve the quality of life, not just for the local children but for everyone in the area. The playground will help build a sense of accomplishment for this community it will help form new friendships and enable generations to connect."

This project is just one of a number of high profile initiatives which are currently being funded by the Department for Social Development in Downpatrick. Margaret Ritchie said: “Since becoming Minister, I have made it clear that tackling deprivation and regenerating town centres is at the heart of my agenda andit is encouraging to be able to back this up with action. In the last financial year over £542,000 was spent on a range of projects in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area. Work also recently started on the £4million Ballymote project and a £3million public realm improvement scheme is due to commence in the New Year. This will be a major boost for the regeneration of Downpatrick. It is a clear indication of my determination to help guide the town and its residents through the challenges of the current economic climate."

Paying tribute to all those involved, including the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Board, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Groundwork Northern Ireland, the East Down Community Network, Clanmil Housing and Down District Council, Margaret Ritchie concluded: "This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership working. Partnership working involving local and central government and the voluntary and community sector on a cross community basis to bring about improvements for the benefit of the entire community."

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 play park at Mount Crescent is part of an overall £253,000 Downpatrick Playgrounds scheme funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund which is making £233,000 available and Down District Council who is providing £20,000. Down District Council will also manage the project and accept responsibility for the future maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.
3. Media enquiries to Helen Mulholland, 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.