Ballyclare neighbourhood renewal funding is making a difference

Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development, welcomed the difference the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy is making in the Ballyclare area.

Speaking today the Minister said: “I recognise that if we are to tackle the long term spiral of deprivation we must improve the life chances of those living in our most deprived communities. I believe that we are already making a difference with significant investment and we will continue to focus on supporting key services that are capable of addressing the core causes of deprivation within this area."

Over £477,000 has been committed to the Ballyclare area from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund. This investment in a small area like Ballyclare is evidence of the Department’s commitment to the Ballyclare Neighbourhood Renewal Area which includes the Grange/Thornhill estate.

The Minister continued: “Neighbourhood Renewal funding is an excellent means of supporting innovative projects which will make a difference for those living in deprived areas. I am confident that residents of the Grange/Thornhill estate will continue to benefit from the social, educational, physical and community capacity projects being delivered. It is vital that all our communities, regardless of background and particularly those living in the Neighbourhood Renewal areas are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

A Neighbourhood Partnership, with members from the local residents’ association, has been established to lead in the regeneration of the area and eleven projects have been supported to date under the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

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. Its objectives include four inter linking 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. View the projects which have or are being supported include a range of social, educational, physical and community capacity building projects

3. 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.