Minister Ritchie congratulates ‘Go Ahead’ Newtownards residents

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today visited Newtownards to see how the dedication of local people has improved their area.

The Minister met with the East End Residents Association and discussed a number of significant issues. These included how the group has been involved in a range of initiatives to regenerate their area and tackle anti-social behaviour. Earlier this year the group was one of five across Northern Ireland to receive the Good Relations Award for improving the image of their locality.

Following a walkabout of the local area, the Minister said: “I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet the East End Residents Association. This is a very active ‘Go Ahead’ group of dedicated people who have made a real difference to their community. It demonstrates how volunteering time and energy, in partnership with the Housing Executive and other statutory agencies, can make things better for everyone. There is a strong community desire to move forward and I have given a commitment that I will be doing all I can to support future plans.”

Notes to Editors:

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