Community views crucial in tackling disadvantage - 11 May 2006

Successful regeneration requires the active participation of local people the Social Development Minister said today.

David Hanson was speaking during a visit to the New Lodge in North Belfast where he saw at first hand the work being carried out to regenerate the area.  He was accompanied by JimDeery, Chairperson of New Lodge Community Forum and PaulRoberts, Chief Executive of Ashton Community Trust.

The Minister said: “The regeneration schemes, initiatives and projects that have the greatest impact on the quality of life in disadvantaged areas, deal with a range of social, economic, physical and community issues, and require the active involvement of those communities.  It is crucial that local knowledge and views be factored into the decision making process and that local people have a real say in dealing with issues that impact on their everyday lives.

“That is why we have been working with local groups such as NewLodge Community Forum and Ashton Community Trust to implement capacity building programmes which will help local people improve the quality of their lives and their communities and make a real impact in the fight against disadvantage.

“My Department’s Belfast Regeneration Office and North Belfast Community Action Unit are actively supporting community development and regeneration work in the New Lodge area.  Over £0.5million has been committed over the past year alone through these two offices, to support the delivery of key services in the area, underlining the Government’s commitment to help families and communities break the cycle of economic and social decline.”

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