Neighbourhood renewal beginning to make a difference says minister

Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy is beginning to make a difference in deprived areas, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said today.

The Minister made her comments as she visited the Ligoniel area of North Belfast to see for herself the problems and issues faced by local people.

During her visit the Minister met Professor Tom Lovett of the Ligoniel Village Neighbourhood Partnership, together with other community leaders active in regenerating the Ligoniel area.

Good progress has been made in implementing the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy in the area, and Ligoniel Village Neighbourhood Partnership has just finalised the Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan, as an agenda for action to guide regeneration activities in the area.

The Minister said: “Real progress is happening on the ground in Ligoniel, with the Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan now in place to focus and guide future regeneration activities.

“One of my key priorities is to tackle deprivation wherever it exists, making a real difference to the life chances of local people and local communities. To be successful will require the co-operation and assistance of communities and community leaders, such as those in Ligoniel, who are working so hard to make the vision of Neighbourhood Renewal a reality at local level. Only with their help will we be able to make a real difference.”

Notes to Editors:

1. For media enquiries contact 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.