The initiative has been developed in consultation with the Campsie Residents Association and Omagh District Council.
Making the announcement Margaret Ritchie said: “I am pleased to provide funding of £24,420 from my Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund to support residents in Campsie. The proposed new railings and gates will safeguard the family play park in the area, providing a safer environment to children and their parents.”
The project will provide railings and gates to enclose the King George’s Park in Campsie. It is a response to concerns that were raised by the residents in the area and is a priority action for the Omagh Neighbourhood Partnership.
Commenting further Margaret Ritchie added: “I wish to support the strong community spirit that exists in Campsie and support the Neighbourhood Partnership’s objective to retain a family friendly environment in the area. The erection of railings around the play area will help to ensure that this achieved.”
The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Paddy McGowan welcomed the Minister’s announcement of funding for the railings at the play park saying that the Council provides high quality play facilities throughout the district and the partnership and financial support of the Department for Social Development has ensured that these facilities have been delivered to the community in Campsie.
Councillor Sean Begley, Chairman of Neighbourhood Renewal, also welcomed the investment by the Department for Social Development to provide safe, modern play facilities in Campsie as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
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 9078. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
