7 April 2006
HANSON EXTENDS AREAS TO BENEFIT FROM RENEWAL PLANS
Nearly 7,000 people are set to benefit from an extension of the Government's flagship programme to help areas of disadvantage.
Minister for Social Development David Hanson MP today announced that a further 15 smaller areas are to be included under the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy that already applies to other districts that are amongst the most deprived parts of Northern Ireland.
The programme for these areas is worth up to £500,000 each year in the 15 selected electoral wards located in Newtownards, Bangor, Larne, Carrickfergus, Ballymoney, Glengormley, Dungannon, Londonderry and Finaghy. These will be taken forward by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in consultation with local community groups, politicians and statutory agencies.
The Minister said: "We are aiming to make a real difference to the everyday lives of people living in our most disadvantaged areas over the next decade. We will do this by working with the communities and targeting resources to where they are most needed.
"I have decided to add these smaller pockets to the larger primary areas already established so that more communities can get the help that they deserve. It is a recognition that they have problems that were not addressed in our original announcement of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy due to the size criteria applied. I plan to visit some of these areas shortly." The extension of the neighbourhood renewal schemes follows a review of the areas using the Noble Index of deprivation measures. Last year the main areas to benefit were announced. It was recognised, however, that some smaller disadvantaged areas should also receive assistance and be given the same opportunities as those living in primary areas selected.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' can be obtained from the DSD website - www.dsdni.gov.uk
2. The strategic aims of the strategy are to:
- develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas;
- develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider economy;
- 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; and
- help create attractive, safe, sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
3. Neighbourhood Renewal Areas have been created around the urban areas shown in the official deprivation measures to be among the most disadvantaged 10% of areas in Northern Ireland.
4. In July 2004 the Minister (Mr Spellar) announced the original 32 Neighbourhood renewal areas which had been identified.
5. The small pockets of deprivation identified are listed below
Area Population Newtownards (Loughries ward) 824 Bangor (Conlig ward) 691 Bangor (Harbour ward) 587 Newtownards (West Winds ward) 583 Larne (Central ward) 579 Strathfoyle (Enagh ward) 527 Carrickfergus (Gortalee ward) 519 Ballymoney (Carnany ward) 429 Ballymoney (Route ward) 403 Newtownards (Glen ward) 379 Ballymoney (Newhill ward) 370 Carrickfergus (Sunnylands ward) 320 Glengormley (Ballyhenry ward) 316 Dungannon (Drumglass ward) 256 Finaghy 203 Totals 6986 For media enquiries please contact the Information Office on 028 9082 9078.
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