Minister Ritchie announces anti grafitti measures in Dungannon

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced funding of £15,000 to repaint walls in Fairmount Park with anti graffiti paint.

The walls will be power-washed and painted in a colour chosen by residents.

The work was identified as a high priority by the Dungannon Neighbourhood Partnership following concerns raised by local residents. Retaining walls in the estate have not been painted since it was constructed more than twenty years ago.

Making the announcement Margaret Ritchie said: “This funding will provide real benefits to the residents of the Fairmount Park area. The unsightly appearance of the retaining walls has been a concern for residents for some time. I am, therefore, pleased to support this project through my Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal programme.”

The project will be implemented by the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service at a total value of £17,250.

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. The Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership is funded by DSD.

3. 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.