Garnerville Community Project Welcomed

The first meeting of a group established to deliver improved services in the Knocknagoney/Garnerville area of East Belfast has been welcomed.

The group has been set up further to a Belfast City Council funded East Belfast Community Development Agency community audit of the area, and a draft action plan has been produced to help local residents, community groups, churches, schools and elected representatives work together to deliver better services and outcomes for people living in the area.

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle (pictured) commented: "I strongly welcome this project and its aims of improving community spirit and service provision for people in Knocknagoney and Garnerville. It is important that elected representatives work with local communities to provide shared, safe and clean neighbourhoods and the facilities that our young people need to reach their potential. As both a local resident and MLA for the area I am committed to doing all that I can to improve services for the area."

Local Alliance Councillor Laura McNamee also stated: "Belfast City Council has an important role to play in improving the environment and quality of life for local residents. I have requested an increase in Council patrols in the area to address general neighbourhood issues such as dog fouling, graffiti, fly-tipping and vandalism.

"I have also proposed that the Council consider the provision of improved lighting along the Linear Park to improve safe access and enjoyment of this route for local people.

"I am committed to securing these additional resources to improve local community spirit and deliver tangible results for residents in the Knocknagoney area," she said.

(JG)