Additional areas to benefit from government funding

Nearly 7,000 people are set to benefit from an extension of the government's flagship programme to help disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.

Social Development Minister, David Hanson today announced that a further 15 smaller areas throughout the province 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 and will go towards areas in Newtownards, Bangor, Larne, Carrickfergus, Ballymoney, Glengormley, Dungannon, Londonderry and Finaghy, which will be taken forward by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in consultation with local community groups, politicians and statutory agencies.

The Social Development 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."

Mr Hanson added: "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 scheme follows a review of the areas using the Noble Index of deprivation measures.

Last year, the main areas to benefit from the neighbourhood renewal scheme were revealed and it was recognised that those living in the smaller disadvantaged areas should receive the same assistance and be given the same opportunities as those living in primary areas.

(EF/SP)