Ballymena neighbourhood renewal fund investment approaches £3million

The Department for Social Development has funded projects within the Ballymena Neighbourhood Renewal area close to £3million since its launch in 2003

Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development believes that this investment is making a real difference to the lives of the people who live there. She said: “Good progress has been made in the delivery of services within the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy and I am very pleased that residents of Ballykeel and Ballee are benefiting in their everyday lives from my Department’s investment.”

The projects, which are at varying stages of implementation, include support for community led social economy projects, after schools and play care provision and recreational facilities. They also include the enhancement of the physical environment through environmental improvement schemes and better street lighting to help address anti-social behaviour.

The Minister, confirming her continued support for these areas, said: “What has been achieved so far is the result of local communities working in partnership with Government and statutory agencies to help shape the regeneration of their local areas. I am committed to ensuring that the progress already made continues apace for the benefit of local residents.”

19 projects have been supported in Ballymena Neighbourhood Renewal area with a total of £2,972,951 funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

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. Its objectives include:

• 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 initiatives, which have or are currently 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.