News Release Page Title

25 May 2005

STRABANE COMMUNITY CENTRE SHOWS THE WAY AHEAD

A Strabane community centre opened today shows the Local Community Fund in action, says Social Development Minister David Hanson MP.

The project, which includes a play park, was managed by Ballycolman/Linkside Community Association with funding of £136,000 from the Department for Social Development's Local Community Fund and £43,000 from Strabane Local Strategy Partnership.

The Minister, who announced this year's Local Community Fund's allocation of £3m in May, said:

"The Fund is aimed at giving practical help to the most disadvantaged areas to support communities to develop their own local capacity and to acquire the skills and confidence to tackle barriers. The Ballycolman Community Centre and the activities and programmes it offers, creates a focal point for residents of all ages to socialise, improve their skills and let their children play safely.

"I recently announced a further allocation of £114,840 for the Ballycolman area. This will allow the community to build on their successes of the past two years."

Speaking at the opening, Tracey McCloskey, from the DSD's Voluntary and Community Unit, congratulated those involved in the initiative. She said: "The Community Development Association has helped transform this area and, working in partnership with other groups, has made a real and lasting difference to the lives of its residents."

Gerard Mc Fadden, of Strabane Local Strategy Partnership, said that they were particularly pleased to support the Ballycolman Community Centre as it was a project that contributed to the core aims of both the Local Community Fund and the PEACE II programme.

He said: "The establishment of the centre and the play facilities will enable local people to provide services and benefits that will contribute to an improved quality of life and help to build peace and advance reconciliation. For example, the centre will accommodate programmes and activities that will constructively engage with young people and encourage their involvement in the life of the community. The Community Association also realise the importance of sustainability and to this end will use social economy approaches to ensure the continued viability of the community centre."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The £3m per annum Local Community Fund was launched by the Department for Social Development in February 2003 aimed at improving the capacity and leadership in disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland.
  2. Strabane council area was allocated £247,263.82 in 2003/04, £241,472.14 in 2004/05 and a further allocation of £269,740 was announced on 18 May 2005. It is administered by Strabane Local Strategy Partnership Board. Contact Patrick O'Doherty on 028 7138 1308.
  3. Further details of the Local Community Fund, which is available in 48 areas throughout Northern Ireland, are available from Tracey McCloskey, Voluntary and Community Unit, Department for Social Development, Level 3, Lighthouse Building, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JB. Telephone 028 9082 9420.
  4. Ballycolman/Linkside Community Development Association contact - Caroline Devine 028 7138 4425

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