'Dig For Victory' Call On Healthy Lifestyle

Co Antrim people are being urged to 'dig for victory' - and unlike the development of wartime allotments, this time the aim is to 'win' a healthier lifestyle.

The Stormont Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of over £44,000 for a community garden and allotments project in the Grange area of Ballyclare.

This project will be delivered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and will involve landscaping a site to provide a community garden and 10 community allotments.

Ten local unemployed people will also be given a work placement helping them towards a City and Guilds qualification in Horticulture.

The DUP Minister Nelson McCausland said: "Funding of this project will allow unemployed residents to undertake work experience and achieve accredited training.

"Their work will provide the local community with access to a new garden and create 10 community Allotments.

"This will provide a pleasant and welcoming place where local residents can meet and discuss tips on how fruit and vegetables add to a healthy lifestyle.

"The gardens will also greatly enhance the look of the local area, making it a pleasant area rather than waste ground," he said, adding that the project forms part of the Department's Community Renewal strategy to improve the quality of life for people in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods.

"It helps to increase community involvement, offers a healthier lifestyle option and provides 10 local residents with accredited training work placements. It is a worthy project to support," he concluded adding that total costs are £44,225.46 for August 2011 to 30 June 2012.

He also said that 10 local unemployed residents would benefit from the Steps to Work Programme when they receive work placements involving both these projects.

As part of the Steps to Work programme the participants will receive environmental training and City & Guilds Level I in Horticulture.

Also involved in this project will be Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Grange Residents Association who will offer training to local residents on growing and cooking their own food as part of the Sewing Seeds programme.

(BMcC/CD)