Bradley makes plea for Harpur’s Hill

Speaking last Tuesday night as Neighbourhood Renewal Officer Suzanne Irwin gave Council members at update on the programme, DUP man Maurice Bradley questioned why Harpur’s Hill wasn’t part of the inititaive, which brings government agencies, local agencies and the community groups together.

The programme, which started back in 2003 targets those communities throughout Northern Ireland suffering the highest levels of deprivation.

There are currently three areas of Coleraine in the partnership - Ballysally, Millburn and Churchlands

“I would hope that the Neighbourhood Renewal team encourage the Minister to include Harpur’s Hill,” said Alderman Bradley.

“There is a need there.

“It is one of the biggest estates in Coleraine Borough Council and it has been neglected down through the years,” said Alderman Bradley.

Mrs Irwin explained that Neighbourhood Renewal areas cover the ten percent most disadvantaged areas across Northern Ireland.

She said that Harpurs Hill is not listed under the Neighbourhood Renewal scheme as it did not fall within one of the most disadvantaged.

As part of the programme update members at the meeting were told that since 2009 over £5 million has been spent in the three Coleraine areas through the programme.

Projects such as the new Coleraine West Community Centre at the Rope Walk, the play park in Ballysally and the multi use games area in Millburn have been funded through the initiative.

After the presentation, Independent Portrush councillor Christine Alexander asked about other areas of deprivation in the Borough.

Mrs Irwin told the councillor that the programme currently runs until 2015 so plans are in place to look at what will happen after that.