Five villages identified for renewal projects

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Council's Development Committee is joined by Alex Swan, Drumbo Community Association and Councillor Margaret Tolerton, Chair of Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group to promote the upcoming public consultations for five rural villages.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, in partnership with the Rural Development Programme, carried out a scoping exercise in November 2015 through which five villages were identified for Rural Village funding.

Agahlee, Drumbo, Dromara, Glenavy and Stoneyford have received support to develop village renewal plans, which will identify key projects, building on the existing fabric of the villages and enhancing the area through the implementation of the identified projects. To date village walkabout and consultation with community groups and Councillors have taken place across the five villages.

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee said: “I was very pleased with the contributions from the five local communities at the requisite community consultation events held throughout August. There was a strong commitment by all parties to bring the Draft Action Plans to fruition, which include the themes of physical, social and economic development.

“The next stage of the process is a public consultation that will commence on September 10.” All interested parties will be able to view the draft plans on the Council website.

Following public consultation, the Action Plans will be finalised and initiatives will be agreed to be brought forward through funding from the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014 -2016 delivered by Lagan Rural Partnership. Councillor Margaret Tolerton, Chair of Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group added: “I am delighted to announce that Lagan Rural Partnership will set aside £900,000 of funding for villages in the rural Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Belfast City Council areas that will help revitalise the social and economic infrastructure of our rural centres of population.” To view the Draft Action Plans log on to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/ business/rural-development-and-regeneration

Public Consultation will take place as follows:

Aghalee Village Hall on Saturday, September 10 from 10am – 12 noon;

Stoneyford, on display at village fair on Saturday, September 10 from 1pm – 3pm;

Dromara Community Hall, Monday, September 12 from 6pm – 8pm;

Glenavy Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 14 from 6pm – 8pm;

Drumbo Church Hall on Thursday, September 15 6pm – 8pm.