16/08/2005

Council boost for local economic development projects

Belfast City Council is making £300,000 available to community organisations to help improve employability and create better economic conditions in areas of need.

The Council’s Neighbourhood Economic Development Programme (NEDP) said the funds, available in the form of grants of between £5,000 and £20,000, re-affirmed the Council’s commitment to driving economic regeneration in all four corners of Belfast.

“Local councils have a duty to take the initiative in working with local people to establish an agenda for change,” Councillor Michael Browne, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Sub-Committee, said.

“In Belfast, we feel that the key to successful regeneration is the need to focus activity and resources on those places, communities and people most in need. By providing financial assistance for community-based economic development activities, we can create better economic conditions in areas of need and encourage the growth of a stable economy.”

The programme, now in its second phase, is designed to support projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as regeneration and renewal, economic growth, knowledge, learning and sustainable development.

Information packs and application forms are available from Lisa Trimble, Economic Development Officer, Belfast City Council, The Cecil Ward Building, 4 -10 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BP, telephone 9027 0736 or e mail trimblelisa@belfastcity.gov.uk.

(MB)

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