Ritchie announces £75,000 funding boost for Ballyclare play park

Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced a funding package of £75,000 for a play area in Grange Estate, Ballyclare.

The park will include a toddler’s play area for children up to primary school age and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) for teenagers will be installed adjacent to the play area.

A total of £75,000 towards the £125,000 total project costs has been awarded from the Department for Social Development’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, with the remaining £50,000 being contributed by Newtownabbey Borough Council, who will also manage the park.

Margaret Ritchie said: "This project represents another positive step forward for the future of the Grange area in improving the physical condition of the estate as part of the Grange Neighbourhood Action Plan.

"I am committed to supporting the creation of housing estates where residents are proud to live. This play area will provide a central focus where parents are confident that their children and teenagers can play safely.

"I would like to extend my thanks to Grange Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their contributions towards improving the Grange area for all who live there."

The Mayor of Newtownabbey Borough Council, Alderman John Scott, welcomed the Minister’s announcement, he said: "The need for a play park was identified as a top priority by the Grange community and I am delighted that through the Neighbourhood Renewal programme this project will now be realised. Having a good quality, safe place to play that is within walking distance from their homes will be a major benefit to the young people of this community.

"I hope that this achievement promotes confidence within Grange and encourages more residents and groups to become involved so that the action plan developed for the area can be delivered in full."

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