Ritchie announces £124,000 funding for Strathroy improvements

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA has announced £124,000 funding for environmental improvements within the Strathroy Estate in Omagh.

The investment from the DSD Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund will enable the following environmental improvements to be carried out within the, Strathroy Estate:-

• resurfacing of footpaths;
• installing of new columns and lanterns; and
• upgrading existing columns and lanterns.

This programme has been developed in response to consultation with residents and will assist in reducing anti – social behaviour in the area. The improvement programme has been developed in partnership with the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I hope these environmental improvements will help create a safer, more welcoming area for the local residents within the Strathroy Estate in the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The contribution of £124,000 to this project further demonstrates my commitment to improving the quality of life for the community here.

“I would also like to thank Roads Service and Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership for their commitment in the planning and implementation of this project.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close 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 9496. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.