Ritchie funds entrance features at Ballee Estate, Ballymena

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced a £56,000 funding package for an Entrance Feature Project in the Ballee area of Ballymena.

This project involves the provision of one distinctive entrance feature into the Ballee estate and the erection of seven smaller scale features to define each of the disparate areas within the estate.

Margaret Ritchie said: “The improvement of social conditions in our most deprived neighbourhoods is essential to the creation of safer environments and shared futures for the local people who live there.

“Our communities and local people are the lifeblood of our towns and cities. By funding projects like this one, we are encouraging local communities to thrive and be proud of where they live.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, 'People and Places', which was published in June 2003, sets out governments proposals for closing 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 the areas;
• Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy;
• Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe, and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods; and
• 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.

2. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.