Speaking on the Lettershandoney Village Green the Minister said: “All of us want to see healthy, vibrant communities that leave the divisions of the past behind.
“We will only do that by working in partnership, with local councils, local businesses and the wider community. And I don’t think we have to look any further than Lettershandoney to see evidence of how that partnership approach has worked.
“A partnership which has involved the Department for Social Development’s Local Community Fund, Derry City Council, the private sector and the community sector.”
The facility acts as a central meeting point which can be used for a range of games, not only for residents and community groups, but also for visitors from schools outside the area. It has given local people the opportunity to be involved in the planning and redevelopment of their environment.
The DSD has provided £40,000 funding through the Local Community Fund (LCF). The LCF aims to develop greater community cohesion, building leadership skills in local areas suffering high levels of disadvantage where community infrastructure is weak.
Notes to Editors:
- Lettershandoney is on the rural outskirts of Derry City and has 1,100 residents.
- The Lettershandoney and District Development Group was established as a residents group and has been active in community development with both residents of the estate and the surrounding rural townland for many years.
- The group has worked closely with Derry City Council, Derry Local Strategy Partnership, private contractors and residents to develop a multi purpose games area on the former tennis courts, now known as the “Lettershandoney Village Green”.
- Since 2003 the Local Community Fund has provided approximately £11million to local people across all deprived communities giving them the opportunity to become involved in identifying and addressing issues and priorities which have the potential to make a positive and noticeable difference in their local areas.
