The appointment of a Neighbourhood Renewal Development Officer will help ensure a more socially inclusive society in this area of Coleraine. The new person will provide a vital link between the local community and relevant stakeholders to ensure that community projects get off the ground.
Margaret Ritchie said: “This is good news for the local community. A Neighbourhood Renewal Development Officer for the Churchlands and Ballysally areas will help develop a more socially inclusive, empowered and sustainable community. It will also help establish positive solid foundations for implementing the Neighbourhood Renewal Agenda for Action for these areas.”
Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sandy Gilkinson said in response to the announcement: “This is a welcome announcement by Minister Ritchie, as it acknowledges the importance of the requirement for a Neighbourhood Renewal programme in this area. The main focus here is to bring the community together in a more socially inclusive way, that they can live and work together for the benefit of their area. As Mayor of Coleraine I support the implementation of projects like this which aim to sustain community infrastructure and empower those living here.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy “People and Places,” which was published in June 2003, sets out governments 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 the areas;
Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy;
Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe, and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods; and
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. - 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.
