27 June 2002
DODDS PRAISES PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
The Westland Community Centre project is an excellent example of public and community sector partnership, which my Department pursues through Belfast Regeneration Office, the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, MP, MLA, said today.
The Minister was speaking as he officially opened Westland Community Centre in the Westland Estate, north Belfast. The Centre will provide a focal point, which can be used for a variety of activities to involve the local community.
The Minister said: "This is a much needed, and long awaited, facility and I commend the hard work and persistence of the Management Committee of the Westland Group on securing this new community centre for the area.
"The Centre is a welcome addition to the community infrastructure in an area where there had previously been no community facilities and where community development has been weak.
"The new community facility will provide a wide range of activities for all age groups and I would pay tribute to all those involved in the running and delivery of these activities. Their input and active support has been vitally important to the success of the new centre. Local participation is essential to the revitalisation of areas like Westland."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Department for Social Development, through the Belfast Regeneration Office (BRO), has provided £40,000 funding which was matched by the Belfast European Partnership Board. BRO also provided the sectional building in which the Centre is based, provision for equipment and funding for a community activities programme.
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