Tackling Deprivation A Government Priority

5 December 2005
TACKLING DEPRIVATION A GOVERNMENT PRIORITY - HANSON
The Social Development Minister has reinforced the Government's determination to place the needs of the most deprived areas at the heart of its work.
David Hanson MP was speaking during a visit to Mount Vernon Community House in North Belfast as part of his ongoing engagement with elected representatives and community leaders from Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist communities.
He said: "There are many places that suffer from high levels of disadvantage. Addressing this issue will be difficult and will take time. However, I am determined that all Government departments should prioritise the needs of the most deprived areas so that people living there can see real progress in improving the quality of their life.
"Today in Mount Vernon I have been encouraged to see local people harnessing their own capabilities and working for the good of their community by developing a vision and strategy that makes a positive difference to the area.
"I know this community has been very proactive in identifying their own particular needs through a variety of activities including workshops and informal events such as a community day. This is a good example of where positive leadership can create change and is a template for other communities to consider adopting."
David Hanson also visited the Ł1.3 million McCune office development on the Shore Road, which was supported by a Ł250,000 grant from DSD. He said it had helped to improve the appearance of a main arterial route into the city and created the opportunity for up to 50 new jobs in an area of significant disadvantage.
He said: "This important development demonstrates growing confidence in the Shore Road. Along with the new Grove Wellbeing Centre close by this area can again become a centre for new investment and employment for the benefit of the local community."
David Hanson welcomed the contributions he had already received as part of his engagement with Loyalism. He said: "I am here today to see the good work that has already taken place in Mount Vernon and the Shore Road and to listen to the views of people working on the ground. I have gained much from my series of meetings with local community representatives.
"I hope to be in a position to report on outcomes in the New Year which will help create stronger and more vibrant communities."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
O'Kane Holding Limited is the developer of the McCune Centre.
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